Flavor composition and edible compositions containing same

ABSTRACT

A flavor composition containing at least one, two, three, four, five or more peptide compound(s) that can be used to enhance the taste of edible compositions including sweet goods, such as confectionery goods, and savory goods, such as pet foods.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/758,039, filed Jun. 26, 2015, now allowed, which is a U.S. National Stage Patent Application under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Application No. PCT/US2014/012611, filed Jan. 22, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/755,422 filed Jan. 22, 2013, and U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/785,795 filed Mar. 14, 2013, priority to each of which is claimed, and each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

SEQUENCE LISTING

The application contains a Sequence Listing which has been filed electronically in ASCII format and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Mar. 25, 2019, is named 0692690286SL.txt and is 1,520 bytes in size. The Sequence Listing, electronically filed herewith, does not extend beyond the scope of the specification and thus does not contain new matter.

FIELD

The present application relates to peptides and flavor compositions that include at least one, two, three, four, five or more peptide compounds. The flavor compositions can be used to enhance or modify the taste and/or flavor of various edible compositions such as sweet goods and savory goods. The flavor compositions can include combinations of compounds, and can be added to edible compositions in various delivery system formats.

BACKGROUND

Taste profiles for edible compositions include basic tastes such as sweet, salt, bitter, sour, umami and kokumi. Chemical compounds that elicit these tastes are often referred to as tastants. It is hypothesized that tastants are sensed by taste receptors in the mouth and throat which transmit signals to the brain where the tastants and resulting taste profiles are registered. In addition to taste profiles, edible compositions are also known to have flavor profiles. Chemical compounds that contribute to flavor profiles can be aromatic compounds that are often referred to as flavorants. It is hypothesized that flavorants are sensed by receptors in the mouth, nose, and throat. Taken together, the taste and flavor profiles resulting from the various tastants and flavorants contribute to the sensory experience users have when consuming the edible compositions. The sensory experience can also include various texture and temperature/thermal aspects.

While there have been recent advances in taste and flavor technologies, there remains a need for compounds that can enhance or modify the sensory experience of edible compositions by enhancing or modifying the taste, texture, and/or flavor profiles of edible compositions. The enhancement or modification can be to increase the intensity of a desirable attribute, to replace a desirable attribute that is not present or somehow lost in the edible composition, or to decrease the intensity of an undesirable attribute. In particular, it is desirable to increase the intensity of or to replace a salt and/or umami tastant in both sweet and savory goods. It can also be desirable to provide sourness such as the sourness imparted to cocoa beans during fermentation to sweet goods such as chocolate confectionery. It is further desirable to be able to use tastants to enhance or modify the texture of an edible composition.

Vegetable proteins, such as wheat and soy, can be hydrolyzed to produce hydrolysates that can be used as flavor enhancers (i.e. soy sauce). In EP1312268A1 to Nestle, wheat protein forms the starting material that is hydrolyzed to form pyroglutamic acid tripeptides that provide umami taste. Umami taste is known to produce organoleptic affects including providing mouthfeel and roundness. Umami taste effect is usually described in comparison to the taste provided by monosodium glutamate (MSG). Taking a purely synthetic approach to umami compounds, U.S. Pat. No. 5,780,090 to Firmenich describes tripeptides with a hydrophobic amino acid residue and at least one acidic amino acid residue. These tripeptides provide fuller, richer texture (i.e. an umami effect). However, neither of these publications describe a saltiness associated with the compounds. Saltiness can accompany an umami effect because many of the products that use umami tastants are savory products that include sodium chloride. However, a clean salty taste similar to that provided by sodium chloride is distinctly different from the MSG-like effect of umami. Thus, there remains a need for a flavor modifier that can provide clean saltiness to reduce the levels of sodium chloride needed to produce a desired level of saltiness. Additionally, there remains a need for a flavor modifier that can provide an umami taste without a salty taste and there remains a need for a flavor modifier that can provide an umami taste at very low use levels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present application is directed to flavor compositions and methods for making and modifying such compositions across a variety of food compositions. Specifically, the present application is directed to compositions comprising one, two, three, four, five or more peptides.

In certain embodiments, the flavor compositions of the present application comprise a peptide comprising one, two, three, four five or more amino acid residues.

In certain embodiments, the peptide comprises a pyroglutamic acid residue (pGlu).

In certain embodiments, the peptide comprises a γ-glutamic acid residue (γGlu).

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition comprises a dipeptide comprising a pyroglutamic acid (pGlu) residue and a second amino acid. In certain embodiments, the second amino acid is a hydrophobic amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic amino acid is selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp). In certain embodiments, the second amino acid residue is selected from the group consisting of alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (aspartate, Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (glutamate, Glu), glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr) and valine (Val).

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition comprises a tripeptide comprising a pyroglutamic acid residue (pGlu) in combination with an amino acid selected from the group consisting of a valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), cysteine (Cys) and proline (Pro); and a third amino acid. In certain embodiments, the third amino acid is a hydrophobic amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic amino acid is selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp). In certain embodiments, the third amino acid residue is selected from the group consisting of alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (aspartate, Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (glutamate, Glu), glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr) and valine (Val).

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition comprises a dipeptide comprising a γ-glutamic acid (γGlu) residue and a second amino acid. In certain embodiments, the second amino acid is a hydrophobic amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic amino acid is selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp). In certain embodiments, the second amino acid residue is selected from the group consisting of alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (aspartate, Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (glutamate, Glu), glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr) and valine (Val).

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition comprises a tripeptide comprising a γ-glutamic acid residue (γGlu) in combination with an amino acid selected from the group consisting of a valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), cysteine (Cys) and proline (Pro); and a third amino acid. In certain embodiments, the third amino acid is a hydrophobic amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic amino acid is selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp). In certain embodiments, the third amino acid residue is selected from the group consisting of alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (aspartate, Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (glutamate, Glu), glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr) and valine (Val).

In certain embodiments of the application, the tripeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid, valine and leucine (pGlu-Val-Leu).

In certain embodiments of the application, the tripeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid, valine, and valine (pGlu-Val-Val).

In certain embodiments of the application, the tripeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid, valine, and cysteine (pGlu-Val-Cys).

In certain embodiments of the application, the dipeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid and valine (pGlu-Val).

In certain embodiments of the application, the dipeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid and cysteine (pGlu-Cys).

In certain embodiments of the application, the tripeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid, cysteine and glycine (pGlu-Cys-Gly).

In certain embodiments of the application, the tripeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid, cysteine and cysteine (pGlu-Cys-Cys).

In certain embodiments of the application, the tripeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid, cysteine and valine (pGlu-Cys-Val).

In certain embodiments of the application, the peptide flavor composition is selected from the group consisting of Phe-Leu/Ile, Leu/Ile-Val-Glu, Phe-Val-Asp, Val-Asp-Leu/Ile-Leu/Ile [SEQ ID NO: 1], Leu-Phe-Arg-Val [SEQ ID NO: 2], Phe-Phe, Val-Phe-Val, Phe-Leu/Ile-Val, 11-OH-hydroxyjasmonic acid, Leu/Ile-Leu/Ile-Gly, Phe-Leu/Ile-Gly, Phe-Asp-Val, Phe-Tyr, Leu/Ile-Val, Phe-Leu/Ile, Gln-Val-Leu, Glu-Val-Leu, pGlu-Phe, pGlu-Gly-Ala-Ile-Phe [SEQ ID NO: 3], pGlu-Pro-Gln, pGlu-Pro-Ser, pGlu-Pro-Glu, pGlu-Pro, pGlu-Val-Leu-Leu [SEQ ID NO: 4], pGlu-Leu-Leu, pGlu-Val-Gin, pGlu-Val-Glu, pGlu-Val-Val-Val [SEQ ID NO: 5], pGlu-Val-Ile, pGlu-Val-Pro, pGlu-Val-Ala, pGlu-Leu, pGlu-Val-Gly, γGlu-Val-Gly, γGlu-Val, γGlu-Val-Leu, γGlu-Cys-Gly, and combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the present application provides methods of modifying the taste and/or flavor of a food product, which comprises providing a flavor composition, for example, a peptide compound such as, but not limited to, a dipeptide compound, a tripeptide compound, or combinations thereof, and admixing the flavor composition with a food product.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an amount effective to provide a clean salty taste, wherein the salty taste is not associated with an umami taste. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an amount effective to increase or decrease a clean salty taste present in the food product.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an amount effective to provide an umami taste. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an amount effective to increase or decrease an umami taste present in the food product.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an amount effective to provide a bitter taste. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an amount effective to increase or decrease a bitter taste present in the food product.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an amount effective to provide an astringent mouthfeel. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an amount effective to increase or decrease an astringent mouthfeel present in the food product.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppm (parts-per-million), and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 50 ppm, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 10 ppm, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppm, or from about 1 to about 90 ppm, or from about 10 to about 80 ppm, or from about 20 to about 70 ppm, or from about 30 to about 60 ppm, or from about 40 to about 50 ppm, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 1 ppm, from about 1 to about 5 ppm, from about 5 to about 10 ppm, from about 10 to about 15 ppm, from about 15 to about 20 ppm, from about 20 to about 25 ppm, from about 25 to about 30 ppm, from about 30 to about 35 ppm, from about 35 to about 40 ppm, from about 40 to about 45 ppm, from about 45 to about 50 ppm, from about 50 to about 55 ppm, from about 55 to about 60 ppm, from about 60 to about 65 ppm, from about 65 to about 70 ppm, from about 70 to about 75 ppm, from about 75 to about 80 ppm, from about 80 to about 85 ppm, from about 85 to about 90 ppm from about 90 to about 95 ppm, or from about 95 to about 100 ppm, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.01 to about 10000 ppb (parts-per-billion), and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 1000 ppb, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 1 to about 100 ppb, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 10 to about 50 ppb, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 10 ppb, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 10000 ppb, or from about 1 to about 5000 ppb, or from about 10 to about 2000 ppb, or from about 20 to about 1500 ppb, or from about 30 to about 1000 ppb, or from about 40 to about 500 ppb, or from about 50 to about 250 ppb, or from about 60 to about 200 ppb, or from about 70 to about 150 ppb, or from about 80 to about 100 ppb, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 1 ppb, from about 1 to about 5 ppb, from about 5 to about 10 ppb, from about 10 to about 15 ppb, from about 15 to about 20 ppb, from about 20 to about 25 ppb, from about 25 to about 30 ppb, from about 30 to about 35 ppb, from about 35 to about 40 ppb, from about 40 to about 45 ppb, from about 45 to about 50 ppb, from about 50 to about 55 ppb, from about 55 to about 60 ppb, from about 60 to about 65 ppb, from about 65 to about 70 ppb, from about 70 to about 75 ppb, from about 75 to about 80 ppb, from about 80 to about 85 ppb, from about 85 to about 90 ppb from about 90 to about 95 ppb, from about 95 to about 100 ppb, from about 100 to about 150 ppb, from about 150 to about 200 ppb, from about 200 to about 250 ppb, from about 250 to about 300 ppb, from about 300 to about 350 ppb, from about 350 to about 400 ppb, from about 400 to about 450 ppb, from about 450 to about 500 ppb, from about 500 to about 550 ppb, from about 550 to about 600 ppb, from about 600 to about 650 ppb, from about 650 to about 700 ppb, from about 700 to about 750 ppb, from about 750 to about 800 ppb, from about 800 to about 850 ppb, from about 850 to about 900 ppb, from about 900 to about 950 ppb, or from about 950 to about 1000 ppb, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of about 0.1 ppb, 0.5 ppb, 1 ppb, 10 ppb, 40 ppb, 50 ppb, 100 ppb, 250 ppb, 267 ppb, 1000 ppb or 1150 ppb, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppt (parts-per-trillion), and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 50 ppt, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 10 ppt, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppt, or from about 1 to about 90 ppt, or from about 10 to about 80 ppt, or from about 20 to about 70 ppt, or from about 30 to about 60 ppt, or from about 40 to about 50 ppt, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 1 ppt, from about 1 to about 5 ppt, from about 5 to about 10 ppt, from about 10 to about 15 ppt, from about 15 to about 20 ppt, from about 20 to about 25 ppt, from about 25 to about 30 ppt, from about 30 to about 35 ppt, from about 35 to about 40 ppt, from about 40 to about 45 ppt, from about 45 to about 50 ppt, from about 50 to about 55 ppt, from about 55 to about 60 ppt, from about 60 to about 65 ppt, from about 65 to about 70 ppt, from about 70 to about 75 ppt, from about 75 to about 80 ppt, from about 80 to about 85 ppt, from about 85 to about 90 ppt from about 90 to about 95 ppt, or from about 95 to about 100 ppt, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.0001 to about 99.9% weight/weight (w/w), and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.0001 to about 1.0% w/w, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.0001 to about 0.5% w/w, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.0001 to about 99.9% w/w, or from 0.001 to about 99% w/w, or from about 0.01 to about 95% w/w, or from about 0.1 to about 90% w/w, or from about 0.5 to about 85% w/w, or from about 1 to about 80% w/w, or from about 1.5 to about 75% w/w, or from about 2 to about 70% w/w, or from about 2.5 to about 65% w/w, or from about 3 to about 60% w/w, or from about 3.5 to about 55% w/w, or from about 4 to about 50% w/w, or from about 5 to about 45% w/w, or from about 10 to about 40% w/w, or from about 15 to about 35% w/w, or from about 20 to about 30% w/w, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition comprises a pGlu-Val-Leu, pGlu-Val, pGlu-Val-Val, pGlu-Val-Cys or pGlu-Pro-Glu peptide, or combination thereof, wherein the peptide, or combination of peptides, is admixed with a food product at a concentration of about 0.1 ppb, 0.5 ppb, 1 ppb, 10 ppb, 40 ppb or 50 ppb.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition comprises a pGlu-Val-Leu peptide wherein the peptide is admixed with a food product at a concentration of about 0.1 ppb, 0.5 ppb, 1 ppb, 10 ppb, 40 ppb, 50 ppb, 250 ppb, 267 ppb, 1000 ppb or 1150 ppb.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition comprises a pGlu-Val-Cys peptide wherein the peptide is admixed with a food product at a concentration of about 1 ppb, 10 ppb, 100 ppb or 1000 ppb.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition comprises a pGlu-Cys, pGlu-Cys-Gly, pGlu-Cys-Cys or pGlu-Cys-Val peptide, or combination thereof, wherein the peptide, or combination of peptides, is admixed with a food product at a concentration of about 1 ppb, 10 ppb or 100 ppb.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an amount effective to modulate, enhance or decrease the taste profile of an edible composition.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an amount effective to modulate, enhance or decrease the flavor profile of an edible composition.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an amount effective to modulate, enhance or decrease the texture profile of an edible composition.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product comprising a salt, for example, sodium chloride and/or potassium chloride, wherein the flavor composition is admixed in an amount effective to provide a clean salty taste while reducing the concentration of salt in the food product. In certain embodiments, the concentration of salt in the food product is reduced by between about 1 and about 99%, between about 10 and about 90%, between about 20 and about 80%, between about 30 and about 70%, between about 40 and about 60%, or about 50% compared to a food product that has not been admixed with the flavor composition. In certain embodiments, the concentration of salt in the food product is reduced by about 75% or less, about 50% or less, about 25% or less, or about 10% or less, compared to a food product that has not been admixed with the flavor composition.

In other embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed in an amount effective to provide a higher intensity clean salty taste without increasing the concentration of salt in the food product. While in still other embodiments the flavor composition is admixed in an amount effective to provide a clean salty taste where the concentration of salt in the food product would be below the taste threshold needed to perceive saltiness.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an amount effective to increase a saltiness aftertaste.

In certain embodiments, the present application provides methods of preparing a flavor composition. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise hydrolyzing a food product source, for example, cacao, wheat or soy, to produce a hydrolysate comprising the flavor composition. In certain embodiments, the hydrolysate is admixed with a food product.

In certain embodiments the flavor compositions of the present application are prepared from a food product source that is fractionated and/or extracted to form an enriched peptide composition comprising the peptides of the present application.

In certain embodiments the flavor compositions of the present application are prepared from a food product source that is hydrolyzed and fractionated and/or extracted to form an enriched peptide composition comprising the peptides of the present application.

In certain embodiments, the methods of preparing a flavor composition comprises synthesizing a peptide flavor composition such as, but not limited to, a dipeptide flavor composition, tripeptide flavor composition, or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the synthesis methods are synthetic synthesis methods.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present application in order that the detailed description that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the application will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the application. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present application. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the application as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the application, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-B shows a flow chart describing the chemosynthetic steps (1A) and technological process (1B) of the method used for preparing a pGlu-Val-Leu tripeptide as described in Example 2.

FIG. 2 shows a flowchart describing the stages of a taste-guided fractionation of hydrolyzed cocoa powder (HCP).

FIG. 3 shows the fractions of a hydrolyzed cocoa powder (HCP). The flavor composition peptide Glu-Val-Leu was isolated from fraction 2, and pGlu-Val-Leu was isolated from fraction 6.

FIG. 4 shows flavor composition peptides isolated from savory fractions 4, 5 and 6 of hydrolyzed cocoa powder (HCP).

FIG. 5 shows various compounds prepared by modifying the R group of the general structure

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To date, there remains a need for a flavor modifier that can provide a desired level of clean saltiness in various edible compositions. Additionally, there remains a need for a flavor modifier that can provide an umami taste without a salty taste, and there remains a need for a flavor modifier that can provide an umami taste at very low use levels. The present application relates to flavor compositions that include at least one, two, three, four, five or more peptide compounds. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the peptide is a dipeptide, tripeptide or combination thereof. The flavor compositions can be used to enhance or modify the taste and/or flavor of various edible compositions such as sweet goods and savory goods. The flavor compositions can include combinations of compounds, and can be added to edible compositions in various delivery system formats.

1. Definitions

The terms used in this specification generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context of this invention and in the specific context where each term is used. Certain terms are discussed below, or elsewhere in the specification, to provide additional guidance to the practitioner in describing the compositions and methods of the invention and how to make and use them.

As used herein, the use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term “comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.” Still further, the terms “having,” “including,” “containing” and “comprising” are interchangeable and one of skill in the art is cognizant that these terms are open ended terms.

The term “about” or “approximately” means within an acceptable error range for the particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, “about” can mean within 3 or more than 3 standard deviations, per the practice in the art. Alternatively, “about” can mean a range of up to 20%, preferably up to 10%, more preferably up to 5%, and more preferably still up to 1% of a given value. Alternatively, particularly with respect to biological systems or processes, the term can mean within an order of magnitude, preferably within 5-fold, and more preferably within 2-fold, of a value.

As used herein, “taste” refers to a sensation caused by activation or inhibition of receptor cells in a subject's taste buds. In certain embodiments, taste can be selected from the group consisting of sweet, sour, salt, bitter, kokumi and umami. In certain embodiments, a taste is elicited in a subject by a “tastant.” In certain embodiments, a tastant is a synthetic tastant. In certain embodiments, the tastant is prepared from a natural source.

As used herein, “taste profile” refers to a combination of tastes, such as, for example, one or more of a sweet, sour, salt, bitter, kokumi and/or umami taste. In certain embodiments, a taste profile is produced by one or more tastant that is present in a composition at the same or different concentrations. In certain embodiments, a taste profile refers to the intensity of a taste or combination of tastes, for example, a sweet, sour, salt, bitter, kokumi and/or umami taste, as detected by a subject or any assay known in the art. In certain embodiments, modifying, changing or varying the combination of tastants in a taste profile can change the sensory experience of a subject.

As used herein, “flavor” refers to one or more sensory stimuli, such as, for example, one or more of taste (gustatory), smell (olfactory), touch (tactile) and temperature (thermal) stimuli. The terms “flavor” and “aroma” are synonymous and are used interchangeably. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the sensory experience of a subject exposed to a flavor can be classified as a characteristic experience for the particular flavor. For example, a flavor can be identified by the subject as being, but not limited to, a floral, citrus, berry, nutty, caramel, chocolate, peppery, smoky, cheesy, meaty, etc. flavor As used herein, a flavor composition can be selected from a liquid, dry powder, spray, paste, suspension and any combination thereof. The flavor can be a natural composition, an artificial composition, a nature identical, or any combination thereof.

As used herein, “flavor profile” refers to a combination of sensory stimuli, for example, tastes, such as sweet, sour, bitter, salty, kokumi and/or umami tastes, and/or olfactory, tactile and/or thermal stimuli. In certain embodiments, the flavor profile comprises one or more flavors which contribute to the sensory experience of a subject. In certain embodiments, modifying, changing or varying the combination of stimuli in a flavor profile can change the sensory experience of a subject.

As used herein, “texture profile” or “mouthfeel” refers to a composition's physical and chemical interaction in the mouth. The texture profile of a composition can include one or more texture, such as, for example, but not limited to, astringency, hardness, cohesiveness, viscosity, elasticity, adhesiveness, brittleness, chewiness, gumminess, moisture content, grittiness, smoothness, oiliness and greasiness. In certain embodiments, the texture profile can comprise one or more texture characteristic in the same or different intensities. In certain embodiments, the texture profile can remain constant or change during a sensory experience, for example, from initial perception of a composition on the palate, to first bite, through mastication and finally, the act of swallowing.

As used herein, “sensory experience” refers to a subject's sensory perception of a taste, taste profile, flavor, flavor profile or texture profile.

As used herein, “ppt” means parts-per-trillion and is a weight relative parameter. A part-per-trillion is a picogram per gram, such that a component that is present at 10 ppt is present at 10 picograms of the specific component per 1 gram of the aggregate mixture.

As used herein, “ppb” means parts-per-billion and is a weight relative parameter. A part-per-billion is a nanogram per gram, such that a component that is present at 10 ppb is present at 10 nanograms of the specific component per 1 gram of the aggregate mixture.

As used herein, “ppm” means parts-per-million and is a weight relative parameter. A part-per-million is a microgram per gram, such that a component that is present at 10 ppm is present at 10 micrograms of the specific component per 1 gram of the aggregate mixture.

As used herein “admixing,” for example, “admixing the peptide flavor composition, dipeptide flavor composition, tripeptide flavor composition, or combinations thereof of the present application with a food product,” refers to the process where the flavor composition is mixed with or added to the completed product or mixed with some or all of the components of the product during product formation or some combination of these steps. When used in the context of admixing the term “product” refers to the product or any of its components. This admixing step can include a process selected from the step of adding the flavor composition to the product, spraying the flavor composition on the product, coating the flavor composition on the product, suspending the product in the flavor composition, painting the flavor composition on the product, pasting the flavor composition on the product, encapsulating the product with the flavor composition, mixing the flavor composition with the product and any combination thereof. The flavor composition can be a liquid, dry powder, spray, paste, suspension and any combination thereof.

As used herein “food product” refers to an ingestible product, such as, but not limited to, human food, animal (pet) foods, and pharmaceutical compositions.

As used herein “flavor composition” refers to at least one, two, three, four, five, or more compounds or biologically acceptable salts thereof that modulate, including enhancing, multiplying, potentiating, decreasing, suppressing, or inducing, the tastes, smells and/or flavors of a natural or synthetic tastant, flavoring agent, taste profile, flavor profile and/or texture profile in an animal or a human. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition comprises a combination of compounds or biologically acceptable salts thereof. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition includes one or more excipients.

As used herein “savory flavor” refers to a savory, “mouth-watering,” sensation. In certain embodiments, a savory flavor is induced by one or more combination of umami tastants, for example, MSG (monosodium glutamate) in an animal or a human.

In certain embodiments, “wet soup category” means wet/liquid soups regardless of concentration or container, including frozen soups. For the purpose of this definition “soup(s)” means a food prepared from meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, grains, fruit and/or other ingredients, cooked in a liquid which may include visible pieces of some or all of these ingredients. It may be clear (as a broth) or thick (as a chowder), smooth, pureed or chunky, ready-to-serve, semi-condensed or condensed and may be served hot or cold, as a first course or as the main course of a meal or as a between meal snack (sipped like a beverage). Soup may be used as an ingredient for preparing other meal components and may range from broths (consomme) to sauces (cream or cheese-based soups).

As used herein, “dehydrated and culinary food category” means: (i) cooking aid products such as: powders, granules, pastes, concentrated liquid products, including concentrated bouillon, bouillon and bouillon like products in pressed cubes, tablets or powder or granulated form, which are sold separately as a finished product or as an ingredient within a product, sauces and recipe mixes (regardless of technology); (ii) meal solution products such as: dehydrated and freeze dried soups, including dehydrated soup mixes, dehydrated instant soups, dehydrated ready-to-cook soups, dehydrated or ambient preparations of ready-made dishes, meals and single serve entrees including pasta, potato and rice dishes; and (iii) meal embellishment products such as: condiments, marinades, salad dressings, salad toppings, dips, breading, batter mixes, shelf stable spreads, barbecue sauces, liquid recipe mixes, concentrates, sauces or sauce mixes, including recipe mixes for salad, sold as a finished product or as an ingredient within a product, whether dehydrated, liquid or frozen.

As used herein, “beverage category” means beverages, beverage mixes and concentrates, including but not limited to, alcoholic and non-alcoholic ready to drink and dry powdered beverages. Other examples of foods and beverages wherein compounds according to the application may be incorporated included by way of example carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, e.g., sodas, fruit or vegetable juices, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, confectionary products, e.g., salad dressings, and other condiments, cereal, and other breakfast foods, canned fruits and fruit sauces and the like.

As used herein, “frozen food category” means chilled or frozen food products. Non-limiting examples of food products of the frozen food category include ice cream, impulse ice cream, single portion dairy ice cream, single portion water ice cream, multi-pack dairy ice cream, multi-pack water ice cream, take-home ice cream, take-home dairy ice cream, ice cream desserts, bulk ice cream, take-home water ice cream, frozen yoghurt, artisanal ice cream, frozen ready meals, frozen pizza, chilled pizza, frozen soup, frozen pasta, frozen processed red meat, frozen processed poultry, frozen processed fish/seafood, frozen vegetables, frozen processed vegetables, frozen meat substitutes, frozen potatoes, frozen bakery products and frozen desserts.

As used herein, “snack food category” generally refers to any food that can be a light informal meal including, but not limited to sweet and savory snacks and snack bars. Examples of snack foods include, but are not limited to, fruit snacks, chips/crisps, extruded snacks, tortilla/corn chips, popcorn, pretzels, nuts and other sweet and savory snacks. Examples of snack bars include, but are not limited to granola/muesli bars, breakfast bars, energy bars, fruit bars and other snack bars.

As used herein, “meat food product” refers generally to a food product made by processing the edible remains of any dead animal, including birds, fish, crustaceans, shellfish and mammals. Meat food products include, without limitation, for example, prepared beef, lamb, pork, poultry or seafood products. For example, meat food products include bologna, frankfurters, sausage, luncheon, deli slices, loaves, bacon, meatballs, fish sticks, chicken fingers, and ground meats, e.g., meatloaf, meatballs and hamburgers.

As used herein, “simulated meat food product” includes, without limitation, for example, a meat alternative, meat analog, soy burger, soy bologna, soy frankfurter, soy sausage, soy luncheon loaves, soy bacon and soy meatball.

As used herein, “food product source” refers generally to the raw products from which a food product is made. In certain embodiments, the food product source is a vegetable, fruit or any other plant material. In certain embodiments, the plant material is cacao, cocoa beans, or cocoa liquor. In other embodiments, the food product source comprises the remains of any dead animal, including birds, fish, crustaceans, shellfish and mammals.

2. Peptide Compounds

The present application relates to flavor compositions that include at least one, two, three, four, five or more peptide compounds. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the peptide is a dipeptide, tripeptide or combination thereof. The flavor compositions can be used to enhance or modify the taste or flavor of various edible compositions such as sweet goods and savory goods. The flavor compositions can include combinations of compounds, and can be added to edible compositions in various delivery system formats.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition comprises a dipeptide comprising a pyroglutamic acid residue (pGlu) and a second amino acid residue. In certain embodiments the second amino acid is a hydrophobic amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic amino acid is selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp). In certain embodiments, the second amino acid residue is selected from the group consisting of alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (aspartate, Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (glutamate, Glu), glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr) and valine (Val).

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition comprises a tripeptide comprising a pyroglutamic acid (pGlu) residue in combination with an amino acid selected from the group consisting of a valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), cysteine (Cys) and proline; and a third amino acid residue. In certain embodiments the third amino acid is a hydrophobic amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic amino acid is selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp). In certain embodiments, the third amino acid residue is selected from the group consisting of alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (aspartate, Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (glutamate, Glu), glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr) and valine (Val).

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition comprises a dipeptide comprising a 7-glutamic acid (γGlu) residue and a second amino acid. In certain embodiments, the second amino acid is a hydrophobic amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic amino acid is selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp). In certain embodiments, the second amino acid residue is selected from the group consisting of alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (aspartate, Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (glutamate, Glu), glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr) and valine (Val).

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition comprises a tripeptide comprising a γ-glutamic acid residue (γGlu) in combination with an amino acid selected from the group consisting of a valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), cysteine (Cys) and proline (Pro); and a third amino acid. In certain embodiments, the third amino acid is a hydrophobic amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic amino acid is selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr) and tryptophan (Trp). In certain embodiments, the third amino acid residue is selected from the group consisting of alanine (Ala), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (aspartate, Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (glutamate, Glu), glycine (Gly), histidine (His), isoleucine (Ile), leucine (Leu), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), proline (Pro), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr) and valine (Val).

In certain embodiments of the application, the tripeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid, valine and leucine (pGlu-Val-Leu). In certain embodiments, the pGlu-Val-Leu tripeptide has a molecular weight of 341.41.

In certain embodiments, the tripeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid, valine, and valine (pGlu-Val-Val).

In certain embodiments, the tripeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid, valine, and cysteine (pGlu-Val-Cys).

In certain embodiments, the dipeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid and valine (pGlu-Val).

In certain embodiments of the application, the dipeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid and cysteine (pGlu-Cys).

In certain embodiments of the application, the tripeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid, cysteine and glycine (pGlu-Cys-Gly).

In certain embodiments of the application, the tripeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid, cysteine and cysteine (pGlu-Cys-Cys).

In certain embodiments of the application, the tripeptide flavor composition comprises the amino acids pyroglutamic acid, cysteine and valine (pGlu-Cys-Val).

In certain embodiments of the application, the peptide flavor composition is selected from the group consisting of Phe-Leu/Ile, Leu/Ile-Val-Glu, Phe-Val-Asp, Val-Asp-Leu/Ile-Leu/Ile [SEQ ID NO: 1], Leu-Phe-Arg-Val [SEQ ID NO: 2], Phe-Phe, Val-Phe-Val, Phe-Leu/Ile-Val, 11-OH-hydroxyjasmonic acid, Leu/Ile-Leu/Ile-Gly, Phe-Leu/Ile-Gly, Phe-Asp-Val, Phe-Tyr, Leu/Ile-Val, Phe-Leu/Ile, Gln-Val-Leu, Glu-Val-Leu, pGlu-Phe, pGlu-Gly-Ala-Ile-Phe [SEQ ID NO: 3], pGlu-Pro-Gln, pGlu-Pro-Ser, pGlu-Pro-Glu, pGlu-Pro, pGlu-Val-Leu-Leu [SEQ ID NO: 4], pGlu-Leu-Leu, pGlu-Val-Gin, pGlu-Val-Glu, pGlu-Val-Val-Val [SEQ ID NO: 5], pGlu-Val-Ile, pGlu-Val-Pro, pGlu-Val-Ala, pGlu-Leu, pGlu-Val-Gly, γGlu-Val-Gly, γGlu-Val, γGlu-Val-Leu, γGlu-Cys-Gly and combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition comprises a peptide comprising one, two, three, four, five or more amino acids each independently selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), arginine (Arg), asparagine (Asn), aspartic acid (aspartate, Asp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), glutamic acid (glutamate, Glu), histidine (His), lysine (Lys), methionine (Met), phenylalanine (Phe), serine (Ser), threonine (Thr), tryptophan (Trp) and tyrosine (Tyr).

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition comprises a peptide comprising a compound of formula I;

wherein R is selected from the group consisting of:

and combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the peptide compounds of the present application comprise a salt of the peptide, for example, but not limited to, an acetate salt, a TFA salt, or a formate salt. In certain embodiments, the peptide salt comprises an anion (−) (for example, but not limited to, Cl⁻, F⁻, Br⁻, O²⁻, CO₃ ²⁻, HCO₃ ⁻, OH⁻, NO₃ ⁻, PO₄ ³⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, CH₃COO⁻, HCOO⁻, C₂O₄ ²⁻ and CN⁻) bonded via an ionic bond with a cation (+) (for example, but not limited to, Al³⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cu²⁺, H⁺, Fe³⁺, Mg²⁺, Ag⁺, NH₄ ⁺, H₃O⁺, Hg₂ ²⁺). In other embodiments, the peptide salt comprises a cation (+) bonded via an ionic bond with an anion (−).

In certain embodiments, the ionic species of the peptide salt act in conjunction with other ionic tastants to modify a sensory impression of said tastants. For example, in some embodiments, the peptide compound is combined with NaCl and/or KCl to provide a salty taste impression that has a higher level of intensity than a composition comprising NaCl and/or KCl in the absence of the peptide.

In certain embodiments, the peptide compound can be combined with a salt or salt mixture. The salt or salt mixture can comprise inorganic, organic, monoatomic as well as polyatomic ions. In certain embodiments, the salts are nontoxic and edible. In certain embodiments, the salt or salt mixtures are inorganic salts, for example, inorganic salts comprising halogen anions or phosphate ions, alkali or earth alkali metal salts. In certain embodiments, the salts are cationic salts such as, but not limited to, NaCl, KCl and Na₃PO₄. In certain embodiments, the salts are anionic salts such as, but not limited to acetate salt, TFA salt, and formate salt.

3. Flavor Compositions

The flavor compositions of the present application can be used to enhance or modify the sensory experience of various edible compositions such as sweet goods and savory goods. The flavor compositions can include combinations of compounds, and can be added to edible compositions in various delivery system formats.

In certain embodiments, the application relates to methods for modulating the flavor of an edible product comprising: a) providing at least one comestible food product, or a precursor thereof, and b) combining the comestible food product or precursor thereof with at least a salty, umami, kokumi, bitter, astringent, flinty/mineral, sweet, sour, metallic, numbing and/or savory flavor modulating amount of at least one, two, three, four, fiver or more flavor composition(s), or any of its subgenuses, for example, one, two three, four, five or more peptide compounds, such as a dipeptide compound(s) and/or a tripeptide compound(s), or a comestibly acceptable salt thereof, so as to form a modified edible food product.

In certain embodiments, the flavor compositions of the present application can enhance the salty taste, umami taste, bitter taste, sweet taste, sour taste, kokumi flavor, flinty/mineral flavor, metallic flavor, numbing mouthfeel, astringent mouthfeel and/or savory flavor of a food product, such as, for example, an edible composition including pet foods, pharmaceutical compositions and human foods, such as soup, a confection, and/or a snack food. In certain embodiments, the flavor compositions of the present application can be used to modify, enhance or decrease the salty taste, umami taste, bitter taste, sweet taste, sour taste, kokumi flavor, flinty/mineral flavor, metallic flavor, numbing mouthfeel, astringent mouthfeel and/or savory flavor of one or more of the following subgenuses of comestible compositions: confectioneries, bakery products, ice creams, dairy products, savory snacks, snack bars, meal replacement products, ready meals, soups, pastas, noodles, canned foods, frozen foods, dried foods, chilled foods, oils and fats, baby foods, or spreads, or a mixture thereof.

In certain embodiments of the application, an edible composition can be produced that contains a sufficient amount of at least one, two, three, four, five or more flavor composition(s), or its various subgenuses described herein, for example a peptide compound(s), such as a dipeptide compound(s) and/or a tripeptide compound(s), to produce a composition having the desired flavor, taste and/or mouthfeel characteristics such as “salty” and/or “umami” and/or “kokumi” and/or “savory” and/or “bitter” and/or “sweet” and/or “sour” and/or “flinty/mineral” and/or “metallic” and/or “numbing” and/or “astringent” characteristic.

In certain embodiments, at least a taste and/or flavor and/or mouthfeel modulating amount of one, two, three, four, five or more of the flavor compositions of the present application can be added to the edible food product, so that the taste and/or flavor and/or mouthfeel, for example, salty taste and/or savory flavor, modified edible food product has an increased or decreased taste and/or flavor and/or mouthfeel, for example, salty taste and/or savory flavor, as compared to the edible food product prepared without the flavor composition, as determined by human beings or animals in general, or in the case of formulation testing, as determined by a taste panel of at least one, two, three, four, five or more human taste testers, via procedures known in the art.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is added to a food product in an amount effective to provide a clean salty taste. In certain embodiments, the salty taste is not associated with an umami taste. In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is added to a food product in an amount effective to increase a saltiness aftertaste.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product comprising a salt, for example, sodium chloride and/or potassium chloride, wherein the flavor composition is admixed in an amount effective to provide a clean salty taste while reducing the concentration of salt in the food product. In certain embodiments, the concentration of salt in the food product is reduced by between about 1 and about 99%, between about 10 and about 90%, between about 20 and about 80%, between about 30 and about 70%, between about 40 and about 60%, or about 50% compared to a food product that has not been admixed with the flavor composition.

In certain embodiments of the application, an edible composition can be produced that contains a sufficient amount of at least one, two, three, four, five or more flavor composition(s), or its various subgenuses described herein, for example a peptide compound(s), such as a dipeptide compound(s) and/or a tripeptide compound(s), to produce a composition having the desired flavor or taste characteristics such as an “umami” taste.

In certain embodiments, at least an umami taste modulating amount of one, two, three, four, five or more of the flavor compositions of the present application can be added to the edible food product, so that the umami taste modified edible food product has an increased or decreased umami taste as compared to the edible food product prepared without the flavor composition, as determined by human beings or animals in general, or in the case of formulation testing, as determined by a taste panel of at least one, two, three, four, five or more human taste testers, via procedures known in the art.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is added to a food product in an amount effective to provide an umami taste.

In certain embodiments of the application, an edible composition can be produced that contains a sufficient amount of at least one, two, three, four, five or more flavor composition(s), or its various subgenuses described herein, for example a peptide compound(s), such as a dipeptide compound(s) and/or a tripeptide compound(s), to produce a composition having the desired flavor or taste characteristics such as a “bitter” taste.

In certain embodiments, at least a bitter taste modulating amount of one, two, three, four, five or more of the flavor compositions of the present application can be added to the edible food product, so that the bitter taste modified edible food product has an increased or decreased bitter taste as compared to the edible food product prepared without the flavor composition, as determined by human beings or animals in general, or in the case of formulation testing, as determined by a taste panel of at least one, two, three, four, five or more human taste testers, via procedures known in the art.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is added to a food product in an amount effective to provide a bitter taste.

In certain embodiments of the application, an edible composition can be produced that contains a sufficient amount of at least one, two, three, four, five or more flavor composition(s), or its various subgenuses described herein, for example a peptide compound(s), such as a dipeptide compound(s) and/or a tripeptide compound(s), to produce a composition having the desired flavor or taste characteristics such as a “sweet” taste.

In certain embodiments, at least a sweet taste modulating amount of one, two, three, four, five or more of the flavor compositions of the present application can be added to the edible food product, so that the sweet taste modified edible food product has an increased or decreased sweet taste as compared to the edible food product prepared without the flavor composition, as determined by human beings or animals in general, or in the case of formulation testing, as determined by a taste panel of at least one, two, three, four, five or more human taste testers, via procedures known in the art.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is added to a food product in an amount effective to provide a sweet taste.

In certain embodiments of the application, an edible composition can be produced that contains a sufficient amount of at least one, two, three, four, five or more flavor composition(s), or its various subgenuses described herein, for example a peptide compound(s), such as a dipeptide compound(s) and/or a tripeptide compound(s), to produce a composition having the desired flavor or taste characteristics such as a “sour” taste.

In certain embodiments, at least a sour taste modulating amount of one, two, three, four, five or more of the flavor compositions of the present application can be added to the edible food product, so that the sour taste modified edible food product has an increased or decreased sour taste as compared to the edible food product prepared without the flavor composition, as determined by human beings or animals in general, or in the case of formulation testing, as determined by a taste panel of at least one, two, three, four, five or more human taste testers, via procedures known in the art.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is added to a food product in an amount effective to provide a sour taste.

In certain embodiments of the application, an edible composition can be produced that contains a sufficient amount of at least one, two, three, four, five or more flavor composition(s), or its various subgenuses described herein, for example a peptide compound(s), such as a dipeptide compound(s) and/or a tripeptide compound(s), to produce a composition having the desired flavor or taste characteristics such as a “kokumi” flavor.

In certain embodiments, at least a kokumi taste modulating amount of one, two, three, four, five or more of the flavor compositions of the present application can be added to the edible food product, so that the kokumi flavor modified edible food product has an increased or decreased kokumi flavor as compared to the edible food product prepared without the flavor composition, as determined by human beings or animals in general, or in the case of formulation testing, as determined by a taste panel of at least one, two, three, four, five or more human taste testers, via procedures known in the art.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is added to a food product in an amount effective to provide a kokumi flavor.

In certain embodiments of the application, an edible composition can be produced that contains a sufficient amount of at least one, two, three, four, five or more flavor composition(s), or its various subgenuses described herein, for example a peptide compound, such as a dipeptide compound(s) and/or a tripeptide compound(s), to produce a composition having the desired flavor or taste characteristics such as a “savory” flavor.

In certain embodiments, at least a flinty/mineral flavor modulating amount of one, two, three, four, five or more of the flavor compositions of the present application can be added to the edible food product, so that the flinty/mineral flavor modified edible food product has an increased or decreased flinty/mineral flavor as compared to the edible food product prepared without the flavor composition, as determined by human beings or animals in general, or in the case of formulation testing, as determined by a taste panel of at least one, two, three, four, five or more human taste testers, via procedures known in the art.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is added to a food product in an amount effective to provide a savory flavor.

In certain embodiments of the application, an edible composition can be produced that contains a sufficient amount of at least one, two, three, four, five or more flavor composition(s), or its various subgenuses described herein, for example a peptide compound, such as a dipeptide compound(s) and/or a tripeptide compound(s), to produce a composition having the desired flavor or taste characteristics such as a “flinty/mineral” flavor.

In certain embodiments, at least a flinty/mineral flavor modulating amount of one, two, three, four, five or more of the flavor compositions of the present application can be added to the edible food product, so that the flinty/mineral flavor modified edible food product has an increased or decreased flinty/mineral flavor as compared to the edible food product prepared without the flavor composition, as determined by human beings or animals in general, or in the case of formulation testing, as determined by a taste panel of at least one, two, three, four, five or more human taste testers, via procedures known in the art.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is added to a food product in an amount effective to provide a flinty/mineral flavor.

In certain embodiments of the application, an edible composition can be produced that contains a sufficient amount of at least one, two, three, four, five or more flavor composition(s), or its various subgenuses described herein, for example a peptide compound(s), such as a dipeptide compound(s) and/or a tripeptide compound(s), to produce a composition having the desired flavor or taste characteristics such as a “metallic” flavor.

In certain embodiments, at least a metallic flavor modulating amount of one, two, three, four, five or more of the flavor compositions of the present application can be added to the edible food product, so that the metallic flavor modified edible food product has an increased or decreased metallic flavor as compared to the edible food product prepared without the flavor composition, as determined by human beings or animals in general, or in the case of formulation testing, as determined by a taste panel of at least one, two, three, four, five or more human taste testers, via procedures known in the art.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is added to a food product in an amount effective to provide a metallic flavor.

In certain embodiments, the peptide compounds of the present application provide a sour taste to a chocolate confection. In certain embodiments, the peptide compounds are admixed with a chocolate confectionary to provide an acetic acid sourness characteristic to the chocolate confectionery. In certain embodiments, the acetic acid sourness is an acetic acid sourness characteristic associated with chocolate confectionery products made from fully fermented cocoa beans sourced from West Africa.

In certain embodiments, adding peptide compounds of the present application to chocolate confectionery products made from cacao and/or cocoa beans that have been sourced from West Africa but under-fermented, or from cacao and/or cocoa beans that have been sourced from other geographies, provides the same taste and flavor profiles as chocolate confectionery made from fully fermented West African cocoa beans.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition, or any of its subgenuses, for example, a peptide compound, such as a dipeptide compound and/or a tripeptide compound, or a comestibly acceptable salt thereof, of the present application, can be combined with an edible composition in an amount effective to modify, enhance or otherwise alter a taste or taste profile of the edible composition. The modification can include, for example, an increase or decrease in one or more of a sweet, sour, salty, bitter, kokumi and/or umami taste of the composition.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition, or any of its subgenuses, for example, a peptide compound, such as a dipeptide compound and/or a tripeptide compound, or a comestibly acceptable salt thereof, of the present application, can be combined with an edible composition in an amount effective to modify, enhance or otherwise alter a flavor or flavor profile of the edible composition. The modification can include, for example, an increase or decrease in the perception of one or more sensory stimuli, such as, for example, one or more of taste (gustatory), smell (olfactory), touch (tactile) and temperature (thermal).

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition, or any of its subgenuses, for example, a peptide compound, such as a dipeptide compound and/or a tripeptide compound, or a comestibly acceptable salt thereof, of the present application, can be combined with an edible composition in an amount effective to modify, enhance or otherwise alter a texture profile of the edible composition. The texture benefit can include, for example, an increased clean mouthfeel sensory attribute. In certain embodiments, admixing the peptide compounds of the present application with a chocolate confectionary reduces a fatty mouthcoating texture.

In certain embodiments of the application, an edible composition can be produced that contains a sufficient amount of at least one, two, three, four, five or more flavor composition(s), or its various subgenuses described herein, for example a peptide compound(s), such as a dipeptide compound(s) and/or a tripeptide compound(s), to produce a composition having the desired flavor or taste characteristics such as an “astringent” mouthfeel.

In certain embodiments, at least an astringent mouthfeel modulating amount of one, two, three, four, five or more of the flavor compositions of the present application can be added to the edible food product, so that the astringent mouthfeel modified edible food product has an increased or decreased astringent mouthfeel as compared to the edible food product prepared without the flavor composition, as determined by human beings or animals in general, or in the case of formulation testing, as determined by a taste panel of at least one, two, three, four, five or more human taste testers, via procedures known in the art.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is added to a food product in an amount effective to provide an astringent mouthfeel.

In certain embodiments of the application, an edible composition can be produced that contains a sufficient amount of at least one, two, three, four, five or more flavor composition, or its various subgenuses described herein, for example a peptide compound(s), such as a dipeptide compound(s) and/or a tripeptide compound(s), to produce a composition having the desired flavor or taste characteristics such as an “numbing” mouthfeel.

In certain embodiments, at least a numbing mouthfeel modulating amount of one, two, three, four, five or more of the flavor compositions of the present application can be added to the edible food product, so that the numbing mouthfeel modified edible food product has an increased or decreased numbing mouthfeel as compared to the edible food product prepared without the flavor composition, as determined by human beings or animals in general, or in the case of formulation testing, as determined by a taste panel of at least one, two, three, four, five or more human taste testers, via procedures known in the art.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is added to a food product in an amount effective to provide a numbing mouthfeel.

The concentration of flavor composition admixed with an edible food product to modulate or improve the flavor of the edible food product or composition can vary dependent on variables, such as, for example, the specific type of edible composition, what salty, umami, kokumi, savory, bitter, sweet, sour, flinty/mineral, metallic, numbing, and/or astringent compounds are already present in the edible food product and the concentrations thereof, the amount of MSG already present in the food product, and the enhancer effect of the particular flavor composition on such salty, umami, kokumi, savory, bitter, sweet, sour, flinty/mineral, metallic, numbing, and/or astringent compounds.

In certain embodiments, admixing the flavor compositions of the present application with an edible food product modulates, for example, induces, enhances or inhibits, the salty taste, umami taste, bitter taste, sweet taste, sour taste, kokumi flavor, flinty/mineral flavor, metallic flavor, numbing mouthfeel, astringent mouthfeel and/or savory flavor (or other taste or flavor properties) of other natural or synthetic salty tastants, umami tastants, bitter tastants, astringent flavorant and/or savory flavorants, for example, NaCl and/or MSG.

A broad range of concentrations of the flavor compositions can be employed to provide such salty taste, umami taste, bitter taste, astringent mouthfeel and/or savory flavor modification. In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product wherein the flavor composition is present in an amount of from about 0.001 to about 500 ppt, or from about 0.005 to about 250 ppt, or from about 0.01 to about 200 ppt, or from about 0.05 to about 150 ppt, or from about 0.1 to about 100 ppt, or from about 0.5 to about 50 ppt, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppt, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 50 ppt, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 10 ppt, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppt, or from about 1 to about 90 ppt, or from about 10 to about 80 ppt, or from about 20 to about 70 ppt, or from about 30 to about 60 ppt, or from about 40 to about 50 ppt, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 1 ppt, from about 1 to about 5 ppt, from about 5 to about 10 ppt, from about 10 to about 15 ppt, from about 15 to about 20 ppt, from about 20 to about 25 ppt, from about 25 to about 30 ppt, from about 30 to about 35 ppt, from about 35 to about 40 ppt, from about 40 to about 45 ppt, from about 45 to about 50 ppt, from about 50 to about 55 ppt, from about 55 to about 60 ppt, from about 60 to about 65 ppt, from about 65 to about 70 ppt, from about 70 to about 75 ppt, from about 75 to about 80 ppt, from about 80 to about 85 ppt, from about 85 to about 90 ppt from about 90 to about 95 ppt, or from about 95 to about 100 ppt, and values in between.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product wherein the flavor composition is present in an amount of from about 0.001 to about 500 ppb, or from about 0.005 to about 250 ppb, or from about 0.01 to about 200 ppb, or from about 0.05 to about 150 ppb, or from about 0.1 to about 100 ppb, or from about 0.5 to about 50 ppb, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.01 to about 10000 ppb, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 1000 ppb, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 1 to about 100 ppb, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 10 to about 50 ppb, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 10 ppb, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 10000 ppb, or from about 1 to about 5000 ppb, or from about 10 to about 2000 ppb, or from about 20 to about 1500 ppb, or from about 30 to about 1000 ppb, or from about 40 to about 500 ppb, or from about 50 to about 250 ppb, or from about 60 to about 200 ppb, or from about 70 to about 150 ppb, or from about 80 to about 100 ppb, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 1 ppb, from about 1 to about 5 ppb, from about 5 to about 10 ppb, from about 10 to about 15 ppb, from about 15 to about 20 ppb, from about 20 to about 25 ppb, from about 25 to about 30 ppb, from about 30 to about 35 ppb, from about 35 to about 40 ppb, from about 40 to about 45 ppb, from about 45 to about 50 ppb, from about 50 to about 55 ppb, from about 55 to about 60 ppb, from about 60 to about 65 ppb, from about 65 to about 70 ppb, from about 70 to about 75 ppb, from about 75 to about 80 ppb, from about 80 to about 85 ppb, from about 85 to about 90 ppb from about 90 to about 95 ppb, from about 95 to about 100 ppb, from about 100 to about 150 ppb, from about 150 to about 200 ppb, from about 200 to about 250 ppb, from about 250 to about 300 ppb, from about 300 to about 350 ppb, from about 350 to about 400 ppb, from about 400 to about 450 ppb, from about 450 to about 500 ppb, from about 500 to about 550 ppb, from about 550 to about 600 ppb, from about 600 to about 650 ppb, from about 650 to about 700 ppb, from about 700 to about 750 ppb, from about 750 to about 800 ppb, from about 800 to about 850 ppb, from about 850 to about 900 ppb, from about 900 to about 950 ppb, or from about 950 to about 1000 ppb, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of about 0.1 ppb, 0.5 ppb, 1 ppb, 10 ppb, 40 ppb, 50 ppb, 100 ppb, 250 ppb, 267 ppb, 1000 ppb or 1150 ppb.

In certain embodiments, the range of concentrations can include from about 1 ppb to about 100 ppb, less than 100 ppb, at least 30 ppb, and from about 30 ppb to about 1% w/w by weight of the edible composition.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition comprises a pGlu-Val-Leu, pGlu-Val, pGlu-Val-Val, pGlu-Val-Cys or pGlu-Pro-Glu peptide, or combination thereof, wherein the peptide, or combination of peptides, is admixed with a food product at a concentration of about 0.1 ppb, 0.5 ppb, 1 ppb, 10 ppb, 40 ppb or 50 ppb.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition comprises a pGlu-Val-Leu peptide wherein the peptide is admixed with a food product at a concentration of about 0.1 ppb, 0.5 ppb, 1 ppb, 10 ppb, 40 ppb, 50 ppb, 250 ppb, 267 ppb, 1000 ppb or 1150 ppb.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition comprises a pGlu-Val-Cys peptide wherein the peptide is admixed with a food product at a concentration of about 1 ppb, 10 ppb, 100 ppb or 1000 ppb.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition comprises a pGlu-Cys, pGlu-Cys-Gly, pGlu-Cys-Cys or pGlu-Cys-Val peptide, or combination thereof, wherein the peptide, or combination of peptides, is admixed with a food product at a concentration of about 1 ppb, 10 ppb or 100 ppb, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an amount effective to increase the salt perception of a salt reference by about 1 to about 10 fold, or from about 1.25 to about 8 fold, or from about 1.5 to about 6 fold, or from about 1.75 to about 4 fold, or from about 2 to about 2.5 fold, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the food product comprises the salt reference. In certain embodiments, the salt reference is the salt perception of the food product prior to admixing the food product with the flavor composition.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product wherein the flavor composition is present in an amount of from between about 0.1 to about 100 ppb, and values in between.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product wherein the flavor composition is present in an amount of from about 0.001 ppm to about 100 ppm, or narrower alternative ranges from about 0.1 ppm to about 10 ppm, from about 0.01 ppm to about 30 ppm, from about 0.05 ppm to about 15 ppm, from about 0.1 ppm to about 5 ppm, or from about 0.1 ppm to about 3 ppm, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppm, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 50 ppm, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 10 ppm, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppm, or from about 1 to about 90 ppm, or from about 10 to about 80 ppm, or from about 20 to about 70 ppm, or from about 30 to about 60 ppm, or from about 40 to about 50 ppm, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 1 ppm, from about 1 to about 5 ppm, from about 5 to about 10 ppm, from about 10 to about 15 ppm, from about 15 to about 20 ppm, from about 20 to about 25 ppm, from about 25 to about 30 ppm, from about 30 to about 35 ppm, from about 35 to about 40 ppm, from about 40 to about 45 ppm, from about 45 to about 50 ppm, from about 50 to about 55 ppm, from about 55 to about 60 ppm, from about 60 to about 65 ppm, from about 65 to about 70 ppm, from about 70 to about 75 ppm, from about 75 to about 80 ppm, from about 80 to about 85 ppm, from about 85 to about 90 ppm from about 90 to about 95 ppm, or from about 95 to about 100 ppm, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.0001 to about 99.9% weight/weight (w/w), and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.0001 to about 1.0% w/w, and values in between. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.0001 to about 0.5% w/w, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product at a concentration of from about 0.0001 to about 99.9% w/w, or from about 0.001 to about 99% w/w, or from about 0.01 to about 95% w/w, or from about 0.1 to about 90% w/w, or from about 0.5 to about 85% w/w, or from about 1 to about 80% w/w, or from about 1.5 to about 75% w/w, or from about 2 to about 70% w/w, or from about 2.5 to about 65% w/w, or from about 3 to about 60% w/w, or from about 3.5 to about 55% w/w, or from about 4 to about 50% w/w, or from about 5 to about 45% w/w, or from about 10 to about 40% w/w, or from about 15 to about 35% w/w, or from about 20 to about 30% w/w, and values in between.

In certain embodiments of the present application, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product wherein the flavor composition is present in an amount of from about 0.0000001 to about 99.999% weight/weight (w/w), or from about 0.00005 to about 75% w/w, or from about 0.0001 to about 50% w/w, or from about 0.0005 to about 25% w/w, or from about 0.001 to about 10% w/w, or from about 0.005 to about 5% w/w of the food product, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the peptide compounds of the present application are blended together in various ratios or are blended together with other compounds to form various flavor compositions. In certain embodiments, the peptide compounds that are blended are peptides, such as for example, dipeptides, tripeptides, and/or combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the peptide compounds and other compounds are blended together, wherein each of the peptide compounds and other compounds are present in an amount of from about 0.0000001 to about 99.999% weight/weight (w/w), or from about 0.00005 to about 75% w/w, or from about 0.0001 to about 50% w/w, or from about 0.0005 to about 25% w/w, or from about 0.001 to about 10% w/w, or from about 0.005 to about 5% w/w of the flavor composition, and values in between.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an effective amount, such that a subject would be able to tell the food product apart from a food product prepared without the flavor composition, wherein the subject is a human being or animal in general, or in the case of formulation testing, as determined by a taste panel of at least one, two, three, four, five or more human taste testers, via procedures known in the art.

In certain embodiments, the flavor composition is admixed with a food product in an amount effective to increase or decrease a taste and/or flavor and/or mouthfeel in a subject that persists after the food product is no longer in contact with the mouth, tongue and/or throat of a subject. In certain embodiments, the increase or decrease persists for between about 0.5 and about 15 minutes, or between about 2 and about 13 minutes, or between about 4 and about 11 minutes, or between about 6 and about 9 minutes.

In certain embodiments, the peptides that are blended together in various ratios or are blended together with other compounds to form various flavor compositions, are peptide compounds, for example dipeptide and/or tripeptide compounds, of the present application. In certain embodiments, the flavor composition comprises one, two, three, four, five or more peptide compound(s) in combination with one or more additional compound with similar solubilities as the peptide compounds. Table 1 below provides non-limiting examples of flavor compositions comprising peptides, such as tripeptide and/or dipeptide compounds in combination with other additional compounds.

TABLE 1 Flavor Compositions (“Fl.”) Ingredient Fl. 1 % w/w Fl. 2 % w/w Fl. 3 % w/w Fl. 4 % w/w Fl. 5 % w/w Fl. 6 % w/w Fl. 7 % w/w Fl. 8 % w/w pGlu-Val- 0.0005-0.5      0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0.00001-0.0001     0.00007-0.0007     Leu pGlu-Val- 0-99.999 0.005-5       0-99.999 0.003-0.005    0-99.999 0.0001-0.001     0-99.999 0-99.999 Val pGlu-Val 0-99.999 0-99.999 0.0001-0.00001    0-99.999 0.0005-0.005     0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Gln-Val- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Leu Glu-Val- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Leu pGlu-Phe 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 pGlu-Gly- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Ala-Ile-Phe [SEQ ID NO: 3] pGlu-Pro- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Gln pGlu-Pro- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Ser pGlu-Pro- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Glu pGlu-Pro 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 pGlu-Val- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Leu-Leu [SEQ ID NO: 4] pGlu-Leu- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Leu pGlu-Val- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Gln pGlu-Val- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Glu pGlu-Val- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Val-Val [SEQ ID NO: 5] pGlu-Val- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Ile pGlu-Val- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Pro pGlu-Val- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Ala pGlu-Leu 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 pGlu-Val- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Gly γGlu-Val- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Gly γGlu-Val 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 γGlu-Val- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Leu pGlu-Val- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Cys γGlu-Cys- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Gly pGlu-Cys 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 pGlu-Cys- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Gly pGlu-Cys- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Cys pGlu-Cys- 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Val Hydrolyzed 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 cocoa powder Hydrolyzed 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 wheat protein Hydrolyzed 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 soy protein Vanilla 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 10-18    0-99.999 0-99.999 Extract Ethyl 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 12-16    0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 vanillin Ethyl 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 maltol Isoamyl 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 2-3    0-99.999 acetate Ethyl 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 acetate Furaneol 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 5-8    0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Myrcene 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 1-2    0-99.999 Linalool 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 1-3    0-99.999 0-99.999 Citral 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Geraniol 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 1-3    0-99.999 0-99.999 NaCl 99.5-99.9995   0-99.999 2.5-5      0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 KCl 0-99.999 99.5-99.9995   0-99.999 2.5-5      0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Garlic 0-99.999 0-99.999 14-18    0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 flavor Onion 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 12-15    0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 flavor Beef Flavor 0-99.999 0-99.999 70-80    0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Chicken 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 65-75    0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 flavor Acetic acid 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 Butyric 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 6-8    0-99.999 0-99.999 acid Citric acid 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 95-98    42-48    Lactic acid 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 50-65    70-80    0-99.999 0-99.999 Malic acid 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 28-32    Tartaric 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 20-25    acid Other base 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 0-99.999 flavor compounds

4. Delivery Systems

In certain embodiments, the flavor compositions of the present application can be incorporated into a delivery system for use in edible compositions. In certain embodiments, the composition will comprise another flavor or taste modifier such as a salty, umami, bitter, astringent and/or savory tastant. Delivery systems can be liquid or solid, aqueous or non-aqueous. Delivery systems are generally adapted to suit the needs of the flavor composition and/or the edible composition into which the flavor composition will be incorporated.

The flavoring compositions can be employed in liquid form, dried form, and/or solid form. When used in dried form, suitable drying means such as spray drying can be used. Alternatively, a flavoring composition can be encapsulated or absorbed onto water soluble materials, including but not limited to materials such as cellulose, starch, sugar, maltodextrin, gum arabic and so forth. The actual techniques for preparing such dried forms are well-known in the art, and can be applied to the presently disclosed subject matter.

The flavoring compositions of the presently disclosed subject matter can be used in many distinct physical forms well known in the art to provide an initial burst of taste, flavor and/or texture; and/or a prolonged sensation of taste, flavor and/or texture. Without being limited thereto, such physical forms include free forms, such as spray dried, powdered, and beaded forms, and encapsulated forms, and mixtures thereof.

In specific embodiments, as noted above, encapsulation techniques can be used to modify the flavor systems. In certain embodiments, flavor compounds, flavor components, or the entire flavor system can be fully or partially encapsulated. Encapsulating materials and/or techniques can be selected to determine the type of modification of the flavor system.

In specific embodiments, the encapsulating materials and/or techniques are selected to improve the stability of the flavor compounds, flavor components, or flavor systems; while in other embodiments the encapsulating materials and/or techniques are selected to modify the release profile of the flavor compounds, flavor components, or flavor systems.

Suitable encapsulating materials can include, but are not limited to, hydrocolloids such as alginates, pectins, agars, guar gums, celluloses, and the like, proteins, polyvinyl acetate, polyethylene, crosslinked polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polymethylmethacrylate, polylactidacid, polyhydroxyalkanoates, ethylcellulose, polyvinyl acetatephthalate, polyethylene glycol esters, methacrylicacid-co-methylmethacrylate, ethylene-vinylacetate (EVA) copolymer, and the like, and combinations thereof. Suitable encapsulating techniques can include, but are not limited to, spray coating, spray drying, spray chilling, absorption, adsorption, inclusion complexing (e.g., creating a flavor/cyclodextrin complex), coacervation, fluidized bed coating, or other process can be used to encapsulate an ingredient with an encapsulating material.

Encapsulated delivery systems for flavoring agents or sweetening agents contain a hydrophobic matrix of fat or wax surrounding a sweetening agent or flavoring agent core. The fats can be selected from any number of conventional materials such as fatty acids, glycerides or poly glycerol esters, sorbitol esters, and mixtures thereof. Examples of fatty acids include but are not limited to hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils such as palm oil, palm kernel oil, peanut oil, rapeseed oil, rice bran oil, soybean oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, and mixtures thereof. Examples of glycerides include but are not limited to monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides.

Waxes useful can be chosen from the group consisting of natural and synthetic waxes, and mixtures thereof. Non-limiting examples include paraffin wax, petrolatum, carbowax, microcrystalline wax, beeswax, carnauba wax, candellila wax, lanolin, bayberry wax, sugarcane wax, spermaceti wax, rice bran wax, and mixtures thereof.

The fats and waxes can be use individually or in combination in amounts varying from about 10 to about 70%, and alternatively in amounts from about 30 to about 60%, by weight of the encapsulated system. When used in combination, the fat and wax are preferably present in a ratio from about 70:10 to 85:15, respectively.

Typical encapsulated flavor compositions, flavoring agent or sweetening agent delivery systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,597,970 and 4,722,845, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Liquid delivery systems can include, but are not limited to, systems with a dispersion of peptide compound(s) or the flavor compositions of the present application, such as in carbohydrate syrups and/or emulsions. Liquid delivery systems can also include extracts where the peptide compound(s) and/or the flavor compositions are solubilized in a solvent. Solid delivery systems can be created by spray drying, spray coating, spray chilling, fluidized bed drying, absorption, adsorption, coacervation, complexation, or any other standard technique. In some embodiments, the delivery system can be selected to be compatible with or to function in the edible composition. In some embodiments, the delivery system will include an oleaginous material such as a fat or oil. In some embodiments, the delivery system will include a confectionery fat such as cocoa butter, a cocoa butter replacer, a cocoa butter substitute, or a cocoa butter equivalent.

When used in dried form, suitable drying means such as spray drying may be used. Alternatively, a flavoring composition may be adsorbed or absorbed onto substrates such as water soluble materials, such as cellulose, starch, sugar, maltodextrin, gum arabic and so forth or may be encapsulated. The actual techniques for preparing such dried forms are well known in the art.

5. End Product Systems

The flavoring compositions of the present disclosed subject matter can be used in a wide variety of ingestible vehicles. Non-limiting examples of suitable ingestible vehicles include chewing gum compositions, hard and soft confections, dairy products, beverage products including juice products and soft drinks, pharmaceuticals, bakery goods, frozen foods, food products and food categories described herein. The combination of the flavoring composition of the presently disclosed subject matter together with an ingestible vehicle and optional ingredients, when desired, provides a flavoring agent that possesses unexpected taste, flavor and/or texture value and imparts, for example, a salty, umami, bitter, astringent and/or savory sensory experience.

In the method for flavoring an ingestible composition of the presently disclosed subject matter, the ingestible composition is prepared by admixing the flavoring agent in an ingestible vehicle, together with any optional ingredients, to form a uniform mixture. The final compositions are readily prepared using standard methods and apparatus generally known by those skilled in the corresponding arts, such as confectionary arts. The apparatus useful in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter comprises mixing apparatus well known in the art, and therefore the selection of the specific apparatus will be apparent to the artisan.

In certain embodiments, the present application relates to the modified edible food products produced by the methods disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the food products can be produced by processes for producing comestible products well known to those of ordinary skill in the art, especially if such compositions comprise NaCl and/or MSG, wherein the flavor composition of the present application is employed as a salty tastant, umami tastant, bitter tastant, astringent flavorant and/or savory flavorant enhancer for the NaCl and/or MSG present in the food product.

The flavor composition and its various subgenuses can be combined with or applied to a comestible or medicinal products or precursor thereof in any of innumerable ways known to cooks the world over, or producers of comestible or medicinal products. For example, the flavor compositions can be dissolved in or dispersed in one of many known comestibly acceptable liquids, solids, or other carriers, such as water at neutral, acidic, or basic pH, fruit or vegetable juices, vinegar, marinades, beer, wine, natural water/fat emulsions such as milk or condensed milk, whey or whey products, edible oils and shortenings, fatty acids, certain low molecular weight oligomers of propylene glycol, glyceryl esters of fatty acids, and dispersions or emulsions of such hydrophobic substances in aqueous media, salts such as sodium chloride, vegetable flours, solvents such as ethanol, solid edible diluents such as vegetable powders or flours, and the like, and then combined with precursors of the comestible or medicinal products, or applied directly to the comestible or medicinal products.

In certain embodiments, the flavor compositions of the present application can be admixed with foods, beverages and other comestible compositions wherein savory compounds, especially NaCl, MSG, inosine monophosphate (IMP), or guanosine monophosphate (GMP) are conventionally utilized. These compositions include compositions for human and animal consumption, for example, food or drinks (liquids) for consumption by agricultural animals, pets and zoo animals. Those of ordinary skill in the art of preparing and selling comestible compositions (i.e. edible foods or beverages, or precursors or flavor modifiers thereof) are well aware of a large variety of classes, subclasses and species of the comestible compositions, and utilize well-known and recognized terms of art to refer to those comestible compositions while endeavoring to prepare and sell various of those comestible compositions. Such a list of terms of art is enumerated below, and it is specifically contemplated hereby that the flavor compositions of the present application can be used to modify or enhance the salty taste, umami taste, bitter taste, astringent mouthfeel and/or savory flavor of the following list edible compositions, either singly or in all reasonable combinations or mixtures thereof.

In certain embodiments, the food products to which the flavor compositions of the present application are admixed with comprise, by way of example, the wet soup category, the dehydrated and culinary food category, the beverage category, the frozen food category, the snack food category, and seasonings or seasoning blends, described herein.

In other embodiments, the flavor compositions of the present application are admixed with one or more confectioneries, chocolate confectionery, tablets, countlines, bagged selfmies/softlines, boxed assortments, standard boxed assortments, twist wrapped miniatures, seasonal chocolate, chocolate with toys, allsorts, other chocolate confectionery, mints, standard mints, power mints, boiled sweets, pastilles, gums, jellies and chews, toffees, caramels and nougat, medicated confectionery, lollipops, liquorice, other sugar confectionery, gum, chewing gum, sugarised gum, sugar-free gum, functional gum, bubble gum, bread, packaged/industrial bread, unpackaged/artisanal bread, pastries, cakes, packaged/industrial cakes, unpackaged/artisanal cakes, cookies, chocolate coated biscuits, sandwich biscuits, filled biscuits, savory biscuits and crackers, bread substitutes, breakfast cereals, rte cereals, family breakfast cereals, flakes, muesli, other rte cereals, children's breakfast cereals, hot cereals, ice cream, impulse ice cream, single portion dairy ice cream, single portion water ice cream, multi-pack dairy ice cream, multi-pack water ice cream, take-home ice cream, take-home dairy ice cream, ice cream desserts, bulk ice cream, take-home water ice cream, frozen yoghurt, artisanal ice cream, dairy products, milk, fresh/pasteurized milk, full fat fresh/pasteurized milk, semi skimmed fresh/pasteurized milk, long-life/uht milk, full fat long life/uht milk, semi skimmed long life/uht milk, fat-free long life/uht milk, goat milk, condensed/evaporated milk, plain condensed/evaporated milk, flavored, functional and other condensed milk, flavored milk drinks, dairy only flavored milk drinks, flavored milk drinks with fruit juice, soy milk, sour milk drinks, fermented dairy drinks, coffee whiteners, powder milk, flavored powder milk drinks, cream, cheese, processed cheese, spreadable processed cheese, unspreadable processed cheese, unprocessed cheese, spreadable unprocessed cheese, hard cheese, packaged hard cheese, unpackaged hard cheese, yoghurt, plain/natural yoghurt, flavored yoghurt, fruited yoghurt, probiotic yoghurt, drinking yoghurt, regular drinking yoghurt, probiotic drinking yoghurt, chilled and shelf-stable desserts, dairy-based desserts, soy-based desserts, chilled snacks, fromage frais and quark, plain fromage frais and quark, flavored fromage frais and quark, savory fromage frais and quark, sweet and savory snacks, fruit snacks, chips/crisps, extruded snacks, tortilla/corn chips, popcorn, pretzels, nuts, other sweet and savory snacks, snack bars, granola bars, breakfast bars, energy bars, fruit bars, other snack bars, meal replacement products, slimming products, convalescence drinks, ready meals, canned ready meals, frozen ready meals, dried ready meals, chilled ready meals, dinner mixes, frozen pizza, chilled pizza, soup, canned soup, dehydrated soup, instant soup, chilled soup, uht soup, frozen soup, pasta, canned pasta, dried pasta, chilled/fresh pasta, noodles, plain noodles, instant noodles, cups/bowl instant noodles, pouch instant noodles, chilled noodles, snack noodles, canned food, canned meat and meat products, canned fish/seafood, canned vegetables, canned tomatoes, canned beans, canned fruit, canned ready meals, canned soup, canned pasta, other canned foods, frozen food, frozen processed red meat, frozen processed poultry, frozen processed fish/seafood, frozen processed vegetables, frozen meat substitutes, frozen potatoes, oven baked potato chips, other oven baked potato products, non-oven frozen potatoes, frozen bakery products, frozen desserts, frozen ready meals, frozen pizza, frozen soup, frozen noodles, other frozen food, dried food, dessert mixes, dried ready meals, dehydrated soup, instant soup, dried pasta, plain noodles, instant noodles, cups/bowl instant noodles, pouch instant noodles, chilled food, chilled processed meats, chilled fish/seafood products, chilled processed fish, chilled coated fish, chilled smoked fish, chilled lunch kit, chilled ready meals, chilled pizza, chilled soup, chilled/fresh pasta, chilled noodles, oils and fats, olive oil, vegetable and Seed oil, cooking fats, butter, margarine, spreadable oils and fats, functional spreadable oils and fats, sauces, dressings and condiments, tomato pastes and purees, bouillon/stock cubes, stock cubes, gravy granules, liquid stocks and fonds, herbs and spices, fermented sauces, soy based sauces, pasta sauces, wet sauces, dry sauces/powder mixes, ketchup, mayonnaise, regular mayonnaise, mustard, salad dressings, regular salad dressings, low fat salad dressings, vinaigrettes, dips, pickled products, other sauces, dressings and condiments, baby food, milk formula, standard milk formula, follow-on milk formula, toddler milk formula, hypoallergenic milk formula, prepared baby food, dried baby food, other baby food, spreads, jams and preserves, honey, chocolate spreads, nut-based spreads, and yeast-based spreads.

5.1 Sweet Goods 5.1.1 Chewing Gum

The flavor systems can be used in sugarless gum formulations and can also be used in a sugar chewing gum. The flavor systems can be used in either regular chewing gum or bubble gum. Various specifics of chewing gum compositions are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,899,911, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The chewing gum composition of the presently disclosed subject matter follows the general pattern outlined below. In general, a chewing gum composition typically contain a chewable gum base portion which is essentially free of water and is water-insoluble, a water-soluble bulk portion and flavors which are typically water insoluble. The water-soluble portion dissipates with a portion of the flavor over a period of time during chewing. The gum base portion is retained in the mouth throughout the chew.

The insoluble gum base generally comprises elastomers, elastomer solvents, plasticizers, waxes, emulsifiers and inorganic fillers. Plastic polymers, such as polyvinyl acetate, which behave somewhat as plasticizers, are also often included. Other plastic polymers that can be used include polyvinyl laureate, polyvinyl alcohol and polyvinyl pyrrolidone.

Elastomers can include polyisobutylene, butyl rubber, (isobutylene-isoprene copolymer) and styrene butadiene rubber, as well as natural latexes such as chicle. Elastomer solvents are often resins such as terpene resins. Plasticizers, sometimes called softeners, are typically fats and oils, including tallow, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, and cocoa butter. Commonly employed waxes include paraffin, microcrystalline and natural waxes such as beeswax and carnauba. Microcrystalline waxes, especially those with a high degree of crystallinity, can be considered bodying agents or textural modifiers.

According to the preferred embodiment of the presently disclosed subject matter, the insoluble gum base constitutes between about 5% to about 95% by weight of the gum. More preferably the insoluble gum base comprises between 10% and 50% by weight of the gum and most preferably about 20% to 35% by weight of the gum.

The gum base typically also includes a filler component. The filler component can be calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, talc, dicalcium phosphate or the like. The filler can constitute between about 5% and about 60% by weight of the gum base. Preferably the filler comprises about 5% to 50% by weight of the gum base.

Gum bases typically also contain softeners including glycerol monostearate and glycerol triacetate. Gum bases can also contain optional ingredients such as antioxidants, colors, and emulsifiers. The presently disclosed subject matter contemplates employing any commercially acceptable gum base.

The water-soluble portion of the chewing gum can further comprise softeners, sweeteners, flavors, physiological cooling agents and combinations thereof. The sweeteners often fulfill the role of bulking agents in the gum. The bulking agents typically comprise about 5% to about 95% of the gum composition.

Softeners are added to the chewing gum in order to optimize the chewability and mouth feel of the gum. Softeners, also known in the art as plasticizers or plasticizing agents, generally constitute between about 0.5% to about 15% of the chewing gum. Softeners contemplated by the presently disclosed subject matter include glycerin, lecithin and combinations thereof. Further, aqueous sweetener solutions such as those containing sorbitol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, corn syrup and combinations thereof can be used as softeners and binding agents in gum.

As mentioned above, the flavor systems of the presently disclosed subject matter can be used in sugarless gum formulations. However, formulations containing sugar are also within the scope of the invention. Sugar sweeteners generally include saccharide-containing components commonly known in the chewing gum art which comprise, but are not limited to, sucrose, dextrose, maltose, dextrin, dried invert sugar, fructose, galactose, corn syrup solids and the like, alone or in any combination.

The flavor systems of the presently disclosed subject matter can also be used in combination with sugarless sweeteners. Generally sugarless sweeteners include components with sweetening characteristics but which are devoid of the commonly known sugars and comprise, but are not limited to, sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, hydrogenated isomaltulose, mannitol, xylitol, lactitol, erythritol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysate, maltitol and the like alone or in any combination

Depending on the particular sweetness release profile and shelf-stability needed, coated or uncoated high-intensity sweeteners can be used in the chewing gum composition, or can be used in a coating applied to centers made from those gum compositions. High-intensity sweeteners, preferably aspartame, can be used at levels from about 0.01% to about 3.0%. Encapsulated aspartame is a high intensity sweetener with improved stability and release characteristics, as compared to free aspartame. Free aspartame can also be added, and a combination of some free and encapsulated aspartame is preferred when aspartame is used. Other high intensity sweeteners that can be used in the gum center are: saccharin, Thaumatin, alitame, saccharin salts, sucralose, Stevia, and acesulfame K. Overall, the chewing gum composition will preferable comprise about 0.5% to about 90% sweetening agents. Most typically the sweetening agents will comprises at least one bulk sweetener and at least one high-intensity sweetener.

Optional ingredients such as colors, emulsifiers and pharmaceutical agents can also be added as separate components of the chewing gum composition, or added as part of the gum base.

Aqueous syrups, such as corn syrup and hydrogenated corn syrup can be used, particularly if their moisture content is reduced. This can preferably be done by coevaporating the aqueous syrup with a plasticizer, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, to a moisture content of less than 10%. Preferred compositions include hydrogenated starch hydrolysate solids and glycerin. Such syrups and their methods of preparation are discussed in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,671,967.

A preferred method of manufacturing chewing gum according to the presently disclosed subject matter is by sequentially adding the various chewing gum ingredients to any commercially available mixer known in the art. After the ingredients have been thoroughly mixed, the gum is discharged from the mixer and shaped into the desired form such as by rolling into sheets and cutting into sticks, extruding into chunks, or casting into pellets.

Generally, the ingredients are mixed by first melting the gum base and adding it to the running mixer. The base can also be melted in the mixer itself. Color or emulsifiers can also be added at this time, along with syrup and a portion of the bulking agent. Further portions of the bulking agent can then be added to the mixer. Flavor systems are typically added with the final portion of the bulking agent. If the flavor system is coated or otherwise modified as when incorporated into a delivery system to modify its release rate, it will preferably be added after the final portion of bulking agent has been added. The entire mixing procedure typically takes from five to twenty minutes, but longer mixing times can sometime be required. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many variations of the above described procedures can be followed.

If formed into pellets or balls, the chewing gum composition can be coated. The coating is initially present as a liquid syrup which contains from about 30% to about 80% or 85% sugars or sugar alcohols, and from about 15% or 20% to about 70% of a solvent such as water. In general, the coating process is carried out in conventional panning equipment. Gum center tablets to be coated are placed into the panning equipment to form a moving mass.

The material or syrup which will eventually form the coating is applied or distributed over the gum center tablets. The flavor systems of the presently disclosed subject matter can be added before, during and after applying the syrup to the gum centers. Once the coating has dried to form a hard surface, additional syrup additions can be made to produce a plurality of coatings or multiple layers of coating. The flavor systems can be added to any or none of the coatings and/or layers.

In the panning procedure, syrup is added to the gum center tablets at a temperature range of from about 100° F. to about 240° F. Preferably, the syrup temperature is from about 140° F. to about 200° F. Most preferably, the syrup temperature should be kept constant throughout the process in order to prevent the polyol in the syrup from crystallizing. The syrup can be mixed with, sprayed upon, poured over, or added to the gum center tablets in any way known to those skilled in the art.

In another embodiment, a soft coating is formed by adding a powder coating after a liquid coating. The powder coating can include natural carbohydrate gum hydrolysates, maltodextrin, gelatin, cellulose derivatives, starches, modified starches, sugars, sugar alcohols, natural carbohydrate gums and fillers like talc and calcium carbonate.

Each component of the coating on the gum center can be applied in a single layer or in a plurality of layers. In general, a plurality of layers is obtained by applying single coats, allowing the layers to dry, and then repeating the process. The amount of solids added by each coating step depends chiefly on the concentration of the coating syrup. Any number of coats can be applied to the gum center tablet. Preferably, no more than about 75 coats are applied to the gum center. More preferably, less than about 60 coats are applied and most preferably, about 30 to about 60 coats are applied. In any event, the presently disclosed subject matter contemplates applying an amount of syrup sufficient to yield a coated chewing gum product containing about 10% to about 65% coating. Preferably, the final product will contain from about 20% to about 50% coating.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that in order to obtain a plurality of coated layers, a plurality of premeasured aliquots of coating syrup can be applied to the gum center. It is contemplated, however, that the volume of aliquots of syrup applied to the gum center can vary throughout the coating procedure.

Once a coating of syrup is applied to the gum center, the syrup is dried in an inert medium. A preferred drying medium comprises air. Preferably, forced drying air contacts the wet syrup coating in a temperature range of from about 70° F. to about 110° F. More preferably, the drying air is in the temperature range of from about 80° F. to about 100° F. The invention also contemplates that the drying air possesses a relative humidity of less than about 15 percent. Preferably, the relative humidity of the drying air is less than about 8%.

The drying air can be passed over and admixed with the syrup coated gum centers in any way commonly known in the art. Preferably, the drying air is blown over and around the syrup coated gum center at a flow rate, for large scale operations, of about 2800 cubic feet per minute. If lower quantities of material are being processed, or if smaller equipment is used, lower flow rates would be used. If a flavor is applied after a syrup coating has been dried, the presently disclosed subject matter contemplates drying the flavor with or without the use of a drying medium.

The amount of flavoring agent employed herein is normally a matter of preference subject to such factors as the type of final chewing gum composition, the individual flavor, the gum base employed, and the strength of flavor desired. Thus, the amount of flavoring can be varied in order to obtain the result desired in the final product and such variations are within the capabilities of those skilled in the art without the need for undue experimentation. In gum compositions, the flavoring agent is generally present in amounts from about 0.02% to about 5%, and preferably from about 0.1% to about 2%, and more preferably, from about 0.8% to about 1.8%, by weight of the chewing gum composition.

5.1.2 Sugar Confectionary

Another important aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter includes a confectionery composition incorporating the inventive flavoring agent and a method for preparing the confectionery compositions. The preparation of confectionery formulations is well-known in the art. Confectionery items have been classified as either “hard” confectionery or “soft” confectionery. The flavoring agents of the presently disclosed subject matter can be incorporated into the confections by admixing the compositions of the presently disclosed subject matter into the conventional hard and soft confections.

Hard confectionery can be processed and formulated by conventional means. In general, a hard confectionery has a base composed of a mixture of sugar and other carbohydrate bulking agents kept in an amorphous or glassy condition. The hard confectionery can also be sugarless. This form is considered a solid syrup of sugars generally having from about 0.5% to about 1.5% moisture. Such materials normally contain up to about 92% sugar, up to about 55% corn syrup and from about 0.1% to about 5% water, by weight of the final composition. The syrup component is generally prepared from sucrose and corn syrups, but can include other materials. Further ingredients such as flavorings, sweetening agents, acidulants, colorants and so forth can also be added.

Such confectionery can be routinely prepared by conventional methods, including but not limited to methods involving fire cookers, vacuum cookers, and scraped-surface cookers also referred to as high speed atmospheric cookers. The apparatus useful in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter comprises cooking and mixing apparatus well known in the confectionery manufacturing arts, and therefore the selection of the specific apparatus will be apparent to the artisan.

Fire cookers involve the traditional method of making a candy base. In this method, the desired quantity of carbohydrate bulking agent is dissolved in water by heating the agent in a kettle until the bulking agent dissolves. Additional bulking agent can then be added and cooked until a final temperature of 145° C. to 156° C. is achieved. The batch is then cooled and worked as a plastic-like mass to incorporate additives such as flavoring agent, colorants and the like.

A high-speed atmospheric cooker uses a heat-exchanger surface, which involves spreading a film of candy on a heat exchange surface, the candy is heated to 165° C. to 170° C. within a few seconds. The candy is then rapidly cooled to 100° C. to 120° C. and worked as a plastic-like mass enabling incorporation of the additives, such as flavoring agent, colorants and the like. In vacuum cookers, the carbohydrate bulking agent is boiled to 125° C. to 132° C., vacuum is applied and additional water is boiled off without extra heating. When cooking is complete, the mass is a semi-solid and has a plastic-like consistency. At this point, flavoring agent, colorants, and other additives are admixed in the mass by routine mechanical mixing operations.

The optimum mixing required to uniformly mix the flavoring agent, colorants and other additives during conventional manufacturing of hard confectionery is determined by the time needed to obtain a uniform distribution of the materials. Generally, mixing times of from 2 to 10 minutes have been found to be acceptable.

Once the candy mass has been properly tempered, it can be cut into workable portions or formed into desired shapes. A variety of forming techniques can be utilized depending upon the shape and size of the final product desired. A general discussion of the composition and preparation of hard confections can be found in H. A. Lieberman, Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets, Volume 1 (1989), Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y. at pages 419 to 582, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

Compressed tablet confections contain particular materials and are formed into structures under pressure. These confections generally contain sugars in amounts up to about 95%, by weight of the composition, and typical tablet excipients such as binders and lubricants as well as flavoring agent, colorants and so forth. These confections can also be sugarless.

Similar to hard confectionery, soft confectionery can be utilized in the embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The preparation of soft confections, such as nougat, involves conventional methods, such as the combination of two primary components, namely (1) a high boiling syrup such as a corn syrup, or the like, and (2) a relatively light textured frappe, generally prepared from egg albumin, gum arabic, gelatin, vegetable proteins, such as soy derived compounds, sugarless milk derived compounds such as milk proteins, and mixtures thereof. The frappe is generally relatively light, and can, for example, range in density from about 0.5 to about 0.7 grams/cc.

The high boiling syrup, or “bob syrup” of the soft confectionery is relatively viscous and has a higher density than the frappe component, and frequently contains a substantial amount of carbohydrate bulking agent. Conventionally, the final nougat composition is prepared by the addition of the “bob syrup” to the frappe under agitation, to form the basic nougat mixture. Further ingredients such as flavoring, additional carbohydrate bulking agent, colorants, preservatives, medicaments, mixtures thereof and the like can be added thereafter also under agitation. Soft confectioneries can also be prepared sugarless. A general discussion of the composition and preparation of nougat confections can be found in B. W. Minifie, Chocolate, Cocoa and Confectionery: Science and Technology, 2nd edition, AVI Publishing Co., Inc., Westport, Conn. (1983), at pages 576-580, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

In general, the frappe component is prepared first and thereafter the syrup component is slowly added under agitation at a temperature of at least about 65° C., and preferably at least about 100° C. The mixture of components is continued to be mixed to form a uniform mixture, after which the mixture is cooled to a temperature below 80° C., at which point, the flavor can be added. The mixture is further mixed for an additional period until it is ready to be removed and formed into suitable confectionery shapes.

In accordance with this invention, effective amounts of the flavoring agents of the presently disclosed subject matter can be admixed into the hard and soft confections. The exact amount of flavoring agent employed is normally a matter of preference subject to such factors as the particular type of confection being prepared, the type of bulking agent or carrier employed, the type of flavor employed and the intensity of breath freshening perception desired. Thus, the amount of flavoring agent can be varied in order to obtain the result desired in the final product and such variations are within the capabilities of those skilled in the art without the need for undue experimentation. In general, the amount of flavoring agent normally present in a hard or soft confection will be from about 0.001% to about 20%, preferably from about 0.01% to about 15%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 10%, and more preferably from about 0.01% to about 5%, and more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of the confection.

The presently disclosed subject matter extends to methods for making the improved confections. The flavoring agents can be incorporated into an otherwise conventional hard or soft confection composition using standard techniques and equipment known to those skilled in the art. The apparatus useful in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter comprises mixing and heating apparatus well known in the confectionery manufacturing arts, and therefore the selection of the specific apparatus will be apparent to the artisan.

In such a method, a composition is made by admixing the inventive flavoring agent into the confectionery composition along with the other ingredients of the final desired composition. Other ingredients will usually be incorporated into the composition as dictated by the nature of the desired composition as well known by those having ordinary skill in the art. The ultimate confectionery compositions are readily prepared using methods generally known in the food technology and pharmaceutical arts. Thereafter the confectionery mixture can be formed into desirable confectionery shapes.

The flavoring agents can be formulated with conventional ingredients which offer a variety of textures to suit particular applications. Such ingredients can be in the form of hard and soft confections, tablets, toffee, nougat, chewy candy, chewing gum and so forth, center filled candies, both sugar and sugarless. The acceptable ingredients can be selected from a wide range of materials. Without being limited thereto, such materials include diluents, binders and adhesives, lubricants, disintegrants, bulking agents, humectants and buffers and adsorbents. The preparation of such confections and chewing gum products is well known.

5.1.3 Chocolates and Fillings

The presently disclosed subject matter is also used with and/or in chocolate products, chocolate-flavored confections, and chocolate flavored compositions. Chocolates also include those containing crumb solids or solids fully or partially made by a crumb process. Various chocolates are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,968,140 and 8,263,168, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. A general discussion of the composition and preparation of chocolate confections can be found in B. W. Minifie, Chocolate, Cocoa and Confectionery: Science and Technology, 2nd edition, AVI Publishing Co., Inc., Westport, Conn. (1982), which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

The term “chocolate” as used herein refers to a solid or semi-plastic food and is intended to refer to all chocolate or chocolate-like compositions containing a fat-based component phase or fat-like composition. The term is intended to include standardized or nonstandardized compositions conforming to the U.S. Standards Of Identity (SOI), CODEX Alimentarius and/or other international standards and compositions not conforming to the U.S. Standards Of Identity or other international standards. The term includes dark chocolate, baking chocolate, sweet chocolate, bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, milk chocolate, buttermilk chocolate, skim milk chocolate, mixed dairy product chocolate, white chocolate, sweet cocoa and vegetable fat coating, sweet chocolate and vegetable fat coating, milk chocolate and vegetable fat coating, vegetable fat based coating, pastels including white chocolate or coating made with cocoa butter or vegetable fat or a combination of these, nutritionally modified chocolate-like compositions (chocolates or coatings made with reduced calorie ingredients) and low fat chocolates, aerated chocolates, compound coatings, non-standardized chocolates and chocolate-like compositions, unless specifically identified otherwise.

Nonstandardized chocolates result when, for example, the nutritive carbohydrate sweetener is replaced partially or completely; or when the cocoa butter, cocoa butter alternative, cocoa butter equivalent, cocoa butter extender, cocoa butter replacer, cocoa butter substitute or milkfat are replaced partially or completely; or when components that have flavors that imitate milk, butter or chocolate are added or other additions or deletions in formula are made outside the FDA standards of identify of chocolate or combinations thereof. Chocolate-like compositions are those fat-based compositions that can be used as substitutes for chocolate in applications such as panning, molding, or enrobing; for example, carob.

In the United States, chocolate is subject to a standard of identity established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Definitions and standards for the various types of chocolate are well established in the U.S. Nonstandardized chocolates are those chocolates which have compositions that fall outside the specified ranges of the standardized chocolates.

The chocolate can contain a sugar syrup/solids, invert sugar, hydrolyzed lactose, maple sugar, brown sugar, molasses, honey, sugar substitute and the like. The term “sugar substitute” includes bulking agents, sugar alcohols (polyols such as glycerol), or high potency sweeteners or combinations thereof. Nutritive carbohydrate sweeteners with varying degrees of sweetness intensity can be any of those typically used in the art and include, but are not limited to, sucrose, e.g. from cane or beet, dextrose, fructose, lactose, maltose, glucose syrup solids, corn syrup solids, invert sugar, hydrolyzed lactose, honey, maple sugar, brown sugar, molasses and the like. Sugar substitutes can partially replace the nutritive carbohydrate sweetener. High potency sweeteners include aspartame, cyclamates, saccharin, acesulfame-K, neohesperidin dihydrochalcone, sucralose, alitame, stevia sweeteners, glycyrrhizin, thaumatin and the like and mixtures thereof. The preferred high potency sweeteners are aspartame, cyclamates, saccharin, and acesulfame-K. Examples of sugar alcohols can be any of those typically used in the art and include sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, isomalt, lactitol and the like.

The chocolates can also contain bulking agents. The term “bulking agents” as defined herein can be any of those typically used in the art and include polydextrose, cellulose and its derivatives, maltodextrin, gum arabic, and the like.

The chocolate products can contain emulsifiers. Examples of safe and suitable emulsifiers can be any of those typically used in the art and include lecithin derived from vegetable sources such as soybean, safflower, corn, etc., fractionated lecithins enriched in either phosphatidyl choline or phosphatidyl ethanolamine, or both, mono- and digylcerides, diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and diglycerides (also referred to as DATEM), monosodium phosphate derivatives of mono- and diglycerides of edible fats or oils, sorbitan monostearate, hydroxylated lecithin, lactylated fatty acid esters of glycerol and propylene glycol, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, propylene glycol mono- and di-esters of fats and fatty acids, or emulsifiers that can become approved for the US FDA-defined soft candy category. In addition, other emulsifiers that can be used include polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR), ammonium salts of phosphatidic acid, (e.g. YN) sucrose esters, oat extract, etc., any emulsifier found to be suitable in chocolate or similar fat/solid system or any blend.

The term “chocolate-flavored confection” refers to food products, excluding “chocolate”, having a chocolate flavor/aroma and comprising a cocoa fraction. These products are stable at ambient temperatures for extended periods of time (e.g., greater than 1 week) and are characterized as microbiologically shelf-stable at 18-30° C. under normal atmospheric conditions. Examples include chocolate-flavored hard candies, chewables, chewing gums, etc.

The term “chocolate-flavored compositions” refers to chocolate-flavored compositions, excluding “chocolate”, containing a cocoa fraction and having a chocolate flavor/aroma. Examples include chocolate-flavored cake mixes, ice creams, syrups, baking goods, etc. The term includes chocolate-flavored compositions (e.g., cakes, nougats, puddings, etc.), as well as compositions not having a chocolate-flavor (e.g., caramels, etc.).

5.2 Savory Goods and Other Food Products

In certain embodiments, the flavor compositions of the present application are incorporated into savory goods to impart, enhance, or modify a salty taste, umami taste, bitter taste, astringent mouthfeel and/or savory taste. In certain embodiments, a savory good is a food product that has savory flavors including, for example, but not limited to, spicy flavor, pepper flavor, dairy flavor, vegetable flavor, tomato flavor, dill flavor, meat flavor, poultry flavor, chicken flavor and reaction flavors that are added or generated during heating of a food product.

In certain embodiments, the flavor compositions are incorporated into a wet soup category food product, which comprises wet/liquid soups regardless of concentration or container, including frozen soups. In certain embodiments, the a soup food product means a food prepared from meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, grains, fruit and/or other ingredients, cooked in a liquid which may include visible pieces of some or all of these ingredients. It may be clear (as a broth) or thick (as a chowder), smooth, pureed or chunky, ready-to-serve, semi-condensed or condensed and may be served hot or cold, as a first course or as the main course of a meal or as a between meal snack (sipped like a beverage). Soup may be used as an ingredient for preparing other meal components and may range from broths (consomme) to sauces (cream or cheese-based soups).

In certain embodiments, the flavor compositions of the present application are incorporated into a dehydrated and culinary food category of food products, which comprises (i) cooking aid products such as: powders, granules, pastes, concentrated liquid products, including concentrated bouillon, bouillon and bouillon like products in pressed cubes, tablets or powder or granulated form, which are sold separately as a finished product or as an ingredient within a product, sauces and recipe mixes (regardless of technology); (ii) meal solutions products such as: dehydrated and freeze dried soups, including dehydrated soup mixes, dehydrated instant soups, dehydrated ready-to-cook soups, dehydrated or ambient preparations of ready-made dishes, meals and single serve entrees including pasta, potato and rice dishes; and (iii) meal embellishment products such as: condiments, marinades, salad dressings, salad toppings, dips, breading, batter mixes, shelf stable spreads, barbecue sauces, liquid recipe mixes, concentrates, sauces or sauce mixes, including recipe mixes for salad, sold as a finished product or as an ingredient within a product, whether dehydrated, liquid or frozen.

In certain embodiments, the flavor compositions of the present application are incorporated into a meat food product. In certain embodiments, meat food products include food product made by processing the edible remains of any dead animal, including birds, fish, crustaceans, shellfish and mammals. Meat food products include, without limitation, for example, prepared beef, lamb, pork, poultry or seafood products. Examples of such meat food products include, for example, bologna, frankfurters, sausage, luncheon, deli slices, loaves, bacon, meatballs, fish sticks, chicken fingers, and ground meats, e.g., meatloaf, meatballs and hamburgers. A meat food product may be combined with a simulated meat food product. Simulated meat food products include, without limitation, for example, a meat alternative, meat analog, soy burger, soy bologna, soy frankfurter, soy sausage, soy luncheon loaves, soy bacon and soy meatball. A simulated meat food product may be combined with a meat food product.

In certain embodiments, the flavor compositions of the present application are incorporated into a snack food category food product. In certain embodiments, snack food products include any food that can be a light informal meal including, but not limited to sweet and savory snacks and snack bars. Examples of snack food include, but are not limited to fruit snacks, chips/crisps, extruded snacks, tortilla/corn chips, popcorn, pretzels, nuts and other sweet and savory snacks. Examples of snack bars include, but are not limited to granola/muesli bars, breakfast bars, energy bars, fruit bars and other snack bars

In certain embodiments, the flavor compositions of the present application are incorporated into frozen of food products, which comprises chilled or frozen food products, for example, but not limited to, ice cream, impulse ice cream, single portion dairy ice cream, single portion water ice cream, multi-pack dairy ice cream, multi-pack water ice cream, take-home ice cream, take-home dairy ice cream, ice cream desserts, bulk ice cream, take-home water ice cream, frozen yoghurt, artisanal ice cream, frozen ready meals, frozen pizza, chilled pizza, frozen soup, frozen pasta, frozen processed red meat, frozen processed poultry, frozen processed fish/seafood, frozen processed vegetables, frozen meat substitutes, frozen potatoes, frozen bakery products and frozen desserts.

In certain embodiments, the flavor compositions of the present application are incorporated into food products for animal consumption. This includes food or drinks (liquids) for consumption by agricultural animals, pets and zoo animals.

The presently disclosed subject matter can be used in a variety of food products. The term “food product” includes any food product, for example, those set forth in 21 CFR 101.12. Nonlimiting examples of such food products include frozen desserts, baked goods, fillings, nutritional drinks, beverages, salad dressing or similar dressing, sauces, icings, puddings and custards, batters, and the like. Various baked goods are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,536,599, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Non-limiting examples of bakery goods includes cookies, cakes, rolls, pastries, pie dough, brownies, breads, bagels and the like. The flavor compositions are also suitable as a component in frozen foods.

5.3 Pharmaceuticals

The flavoring compositions can also be in the form of a pharmaceutical. One nonlimiting example of a pharmaceutical form is a suspension. Pharmaceutical suspensions can be prepared by conventional compounding methods. Suspensions can contain adjunct materials employed in formulating the suspensions of the art. The suspensions of the presently disclosed subject matter can comprise preservatives, buffers, suspending agents, antifoaming agents, sweetening agents, flavoring agents, coloring or decoloring agents, solubilizers, and combinations thereof.

Flavoring agents such as those flavors well known to the skilled artisan, such as natural and artificial flavors and mints, such as peppermint, menthol, citrus flavors such as orange and lemon, artificial vanilla, cinnamon, various fruit flavors, both individual and mixed and the like can be utilized in amounts from about 0.01% to about 5%, and more preferably 0.01% to about 0.5% by weight of the suspension.

The pharmaceutical suspensions of the presently disclosed subject matter can be prepared as follows.

-   -   (A) admix the thickener with water heated from about 40° C. to         about 95° C., preferably from about 40° C. to about 70° C., to         form a dispersion if the thickener is not water soluble or a         solution if the thickener is water soluble;     -   (B) admix the sweetening agent with water to form a solution;     -   (C) admix the flavoring agent with the thickener-water admixture         to form a uniform thickener-flavoring agent;     -   (D) combine the sweetener solution with the thickener-flavoring         agent and mix until uniform; and     -   (E) admix the optional adjunct materials such as coloring         agents, flavoring agents, decolorants, solubilizers, antifoaming         agents, buffers and additional water with the mixture of         step (D) to form the suspension.         The flavoring compositions can also be in chewable form. To         achieve acceptable stability and quality as well as good taste         and mouth feel in a chewable formulation several considerations         are important. These considerations include the amount of active         substance per tablet, the flavoring agent employed, the degree         of compressibility of the tablet and additional properties of         the composition.

Chewable pharmaceutical candy is prepared by procedures similar to those used to make soft confectionery. A general discussion of the lozenge and chewable tablet forms of confectionery can be found in H. A. Lieberman and L. Lachman, Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets Volume 1, Marcel Dekker, InC, New York, N.Y. (1989) at pages 367 to 418, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference. In a typical procedure, a boiled sugar-corn syrup blend is formed to which is added a frappe mixture. The boiled sugar-corn syrup blend can be prepared from sugar and corn syrup blended in parts by weight ratio of about 90:10 to about 10:90. The sugar-corn syrup blend is heated to temperatures above about 120° C. to remove water and to form a molten mass. The frappe is generally prepared from gelatin, egg albumin, milk proteins such as casein, and vegetable proteins such as soy protein, and the like, which is added to a gelatin solution and rapidly mixed at ambient temperature to form an aerated sponge like mass. The frappe is then added to the molten candy mass and mixed until homogeneous at temperatures between about 65° C. and about 120° C. The flavor composition can then be added to the homogeneous mixture as the temperature is lowered to about 65° C.−95° C. whereupon additional ingredients can then be added such as flavoring agents and coloring agents. The formulation is further cooled and formed into pieces of desired dimensions.

In other pharmaceutical embodiments, the flavoring agent is incorporated into an ingestible topical vehicle which can be in the form of a mouthwash, rinse, ingestible spray, suspension, dental gel, and the like. Typical non-toxic ingestible vehicles known in the pharmaceutical arts can be used in the presently disclosed subject matter. The preferred ingestible vehicles are water, ethanol, and water-ethanol mixtures. The water-ethanol mixtures are generally employed in a weight ratio from about 1:1 to about 20:1, preferably from about 3:1 to about 20:1, and most preferably from about 3:1 to about 10:1, respectively. The pH value of the ingestible vehicle is generally from about 4 to about 7, and preferably from about 5 to about 6.5. An ingestible topical vehicle having a pH value below about 4 is generally irritating to the ingestible cavity and an ingestible vehicle having a pH value greater than about 7 generally results in an unpleasant mouth feel.

The ingestible topical flavoring agents can also contain conventional additives normally employed in those products. Conventional additives include a fluorine providing compound, a sweetening agent, a flavoring agent, a coloring agent, a humectant, a buffer, and an emulsifier, providing the additives do not interfere with the flavoring properties of the composition. The coloring agents and humectants, and the amounts of these additives to be employed, set out above, can be used in the ingestible topical composition.

The flavoring agents (flavors, flavorants) which can be used include those flavors known to the skilled artisan, such as natural and artificial flavors. Suitable flavoring agents include mints, such as peppermint, citrus flavors such as orange and lemon, artificial vanilla, cinnamon, various fruit flavors, both individual and mixed, and the like.

The amount of flavoring agent employed in the ingestible topical composition is normally a matter of preference subject to such factors as the type of final ingestible composition, the individual flavor employed, and the strength of flavor desired. Thus, the amount of flavoring can be varied in order to obtain the result desired in the final product and such variations are within the capabilities of those skilled in the art without the need for undue experimentation. The flavoring agents, when used, are generally utilized in amounts that can, for example, range in amounts from about 0.05% to about 6%, by weight of the ingestible topical composition.

In accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter, effective amounts of the flavoring agents of the presently disclosed subject matter can be admixed with an ingestible topical vehicle to form a topical composition. These amounts are readily determined by those skilled in the art without the need for undue experimentation. In a preferred embodiment, the ingestible topical flavoring agents will comprise the flavoring agent in an amount from about 0.025% to about 2% and an ingestible topical vehicle in a quantity sufficient to bring the total amount of composition to 100%, by weight of the ingestible topical composition. In a more preferred embodiment, the ingestible topical flavoring agents will comprise the flavoring agent in an amount from about 0.05% to about 1% and an ingestible topical vehicle in a quantity sufficient to bring the total amount of composition to 100%, by weight of the ingestible topical composition.

The presently disclosed subject matter extends to methods for preparing the ingestible topical flavoring agents. In such a method, the ingestible topical composition is prepared by admixing an effective amount of the flavoring agent of the presently disclosed subject matter and an ingestible topical vehicle. The final compositions are readily prepared using standard methods and apparatus generally known by those skilled in the pharmaceutical arts. The apparatus useful in accordance with the presently disclosed subject matter comprises mixing apparatus well known in the pharmaceutical arts, and therefore the selection of the specific apparatus will be apparent to the artisan.

6. Methods of Measuring Taste and Texture Attributes

In certain embodiments of the present application, the taste and texture attributes of a food product can be modified by admixing a flavor composition with the food product as described herein. In certain embodiments, the attribute(s) can be enhanced or reduced by increasing or decreasing the concentration of the flavor composition admixed with the food product. In certain embodiments, the taste or texture attributes of the modified food product can be evaluated as described herein, and the concentration of flavor composition admixed with the food product can be increased or decreased based on the results of the evaluation.

Taste and texture attributes can be reliably and reproducibly measured using sensory analysis methods known as descriptive analysis techniques. The Spectrum™ method of descriptive analysis is described in Morten Meilgaard, D. Sc. et al., Sensory Evaluation Techniques (3d ed. 1999). The Spectrum™ method is a custom design approach meaning that the highly trained panelists who generate the data also develop the terminology to measure the attributes of interest. Further, the method uses intensity scales created to capture the intensity differences being investigated. These intensity scales are anchored to a set of well-chosen references. Using these references helps make the data universally understandable and usable over time. This ability to reproduce the results at another time and with another panel makes the data potentially more valuable than analytical techniques which offer similar reproducibility but lack the ability to fully capture the integrated sensory experiences as perceived by humans.

When conducting quantitative descriptive analysis for compounds that modify other compounds, the testing methodology can be adapted to capture the change in character and intensity of the modified compound. For example, when testing for compounds that modify the saltiness of other compounds, the panelists may first taste a salt reference of agreed upon saltiness in order to establish a reference point for comparison. After tasting the reference, panelists may taste and score the test sample for saltiness as well as any other basic taste, chemical feeling factor, or aromatic notes. To quantify any increase in salt perception, the panelists may then re-taste the reference and again assign scores for saltiness as well as any other basic taste, chemical feeling factor, or aromatic notes. To quantify any lingering aftertaste, panelists may re-taste the salt reference at 1 minute intervals until their saltiness perception returns to the level of the reference. During the aftertaste evaluations, the panelists also note and score any other basic taste, chemical feeling factor, or aromatic notes.

7. Methods of Synthesis

In certain embodiments, the peptides of the present application can be synthesized using standard chemosynthesis processes. In certain embodiments, the chemosynthesis process provides a peptide having a purity of at least 99.999%, or at least 99%, or at least 95%, or at least 90%, or at least 85%, or at least 80%. In certain embodiments, the peptides can be prepared using standard hydrolysis processes such as those employing acids, enzymes, or a combination of acids and enzymes.

In certain embodiments, the chemosynthesis process comprises synthesizing the peptides of the present application through the use of amino acid resins and/or deprotecting and coupling reactions. In certain embodiments, the peptides are synthesized using and automated peptide synthesizer using techniques known to those skilled in the art.

In certain embodiments the peptides of the present application are prepared from a food product source that is fractionated and/or extracted to form an enriched peptide composition comprising the peptides. In certain embodiments, the enriched peptide composition comprises the flavor composition of the present application and is admixed with a food product according to the methods of the present application. In other embodiments, the enriched peptide composition is combined with other compositions to form the flavor composition of the present application, which is then admixed with the food product according to the methods of the present application.

In certain embodiments the peptides of the present application are prepared from a food product source that is hydrolyzed to form a hydrolysate comprising the peptides. In certain embodiments, the food product source is hydrolyzed for between about 0.5 and about 15 hours, or between about 2 and about 13 hours, or between about 4 and about 11 hours, or between about 6 and about 9 hours. In certain embodiments, the hydrolysate comprises the flavor composition of the present application and is admixed with a food product according to the methods of the present application. In other embodiments, the hydrolysate is combined with other compositions to form the flavor composition of the present application, which is then admixed with the food product according to the methods of the present application.

In certain embodiments the peptides of the present application are prepared from a food product source that is hydrolyzed and fractionated and/or extracted to form an enriched peptide hydrolysate composition comprising the peptides. In certain embodiments, the enriched peptide hydrolysate composition comprises the flavor composition of the present application and is admixed with a food product according to the methods of the present application. In other embodiments, the enriched peptide hydrolysate composition is combined with other compositions to form the flavor composition of the present application, which is then admixed with the food product according to the methods of the present application.

8. Non-Limiting Examples of Compositions of the Disclosure

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a flavor composition comprising a peptide, wherein the peptide comprises: (i) pyroglutamic acid (pGlu); and (ii) a second amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp) and cysteine (Cys).

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a flavor composition comprising a peptide, wherein the peptide comprises (i) pyroglutamic acid (pGlu); (ii) an amino acid selected from the group consisting of a valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), cysteine (Cys) and proline (Pro); and (iii) a third amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), serine (Ser) and glutamate (Glu).

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a flavor composition comprising a peptide, wherein the peptide comprises (i) γglutamic acid (γGlu); and (ii) a second amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp) and cysteine (Cys).

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a flavor composition comprising a peptide, wherein the peptide comprises (i) γglutamic acid (γGlu); (ii) an amino acid selected from the group consisting of a valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile) and proline (Pro); and (iii) a third amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp) and cysteine (Cys).

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a flavor composition comprising a peptide selected from the group consisting of pGlu-Val, pGlu-Phe, pGlu-Pro, pGlu-Leu, pGlu-Cys and combinations thereof.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a flavor composition comprising a peptide selected from the group consisting of pGlu-Pro-Gin, pGlu-Val-Val, pGlu-Pro-Ser, pGlu-Pro-Glu, pGlu-Leu-Leu, pGlu-Val-Gln, pGlu-Val-Glu, pGlu-Val-Ile, pGlu-Val-Pro, pGlu-Val-Ala, pGlu-Val-Gly, pGlu-Val-Cys, pGlu-Val-Leu, pGlu-Cys-Gly, pGlu-Cys-Cys, pGlu-Cys-Val and combinations thereof.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a flavor composition comprising a γGlu-Val peptide.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a flavor composition comprising a peptide selected from the group consisting of γGlu-Val-Gly, γGlu-Val-Leu, γGlu-Cys-Gly and combinations thereof.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a flavor composition comprising a peptide selected from the group consisting of Gln-Val-Leu, Glu-Val-Leu, pGlu-Gly-Ala-Ile-Phe [SEQ ID NO: 3], pGlu-Val-Leu-Leu [SEQ ID NO: 4], pGlu-Val-Val-Val [SEQ ID NO: 5] and combinations thereof.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a flavor composition comprising a peptide selected from the group consisting of pGlu-Val-Leu, pGlu-Val, pGlu-Val-Val, pGlu-Val-Cys and combinations thereof.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a flavor composition comprising a peptide selected from the group consisting of pGlu-Cys, pGlu-Cys-Gly, pGlu-Cys-Cys, pGlu-Cys-Val and combinations thereof.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition is prepared from a food product source, wherein the food product source is subjected to hydrolysis, fractionation, extraction, enrichment or combinations thereof.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein wherein the flavor composition is prepared from a food product source selected from the group consisting of cacao, wheat and soy.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is a synthetic peptide.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a food product comprising a flavor composition peptide as described herein, wherein the peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.0000001 to about 1.0% weight/weight of the food product.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a food product comprising a flavor composition peptide as described herein, wherein the peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 1000 ppb of the food product.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a food product comprising a flavor composition peptide as described herein, wherein the peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppb of the food product.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a food product comprising a flavor composition peptide as described herein, wherein the peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppt of the food product.

9. Non-Limiting Examples of Methods of the Disclosure

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing a saltiness intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.0000001 to about 1.0% in the admixture.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing a saltiness intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the increase in saltiness intensity comprises an increase in saltiness aftertaste.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing a saltiness intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 1000 ppb in the admixture.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing a saltiness intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppb in the admixture.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing a saltiness intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 50 ppb.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing a saltiness intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration selected from the group consisting of about 0.1 ppb, about 0.5 ppb, about 1 ppb, about 10 ppb, about 40 ppb and about 50 ppb.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing a saltiness intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 1 to about 100 ppb.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of reducing the amount of sodium chloride in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 1000 ppb in the admixture.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of reducing the amount of sodium chloride in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the amount of sodium chloride in the food system is reduced by at least 10%.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing an umami intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 1000 ppt in the admixture.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing an umami intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppb in the admixture.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing an umami intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the increase in umami intensity comprises an increase in umami aftertaste.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing an umami intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 50 ppb.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing an umami intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration selected from the group consisting of about 0.1 ppb, about 0.5 ppb, about 1 ppb, about 10 ppb, about 40 ppb and about 50 ppb.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing an umami intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 1 to about 100 ppb.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing a bitter intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.0000001 to about 1.0% in the admixture.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing a bitter intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppb in the admixture.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing an astringent intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.0000001 to about 1.0% in the admixture.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing an astringent intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppb in the admixture.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing a saltiness, umami, bitter and/or astringent intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition and/or the food product comprises a salt selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride and potassium chloride, and wherein the method further comprising reducing the concentration of salt in the food product.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing a sourness intensity in a chocolate confection comprising admixing the chocolate confection with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.00001 to about 1.0% w/w in the admixture.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of increasing a sourness intensity in a chocolate confection comprising admixing the chocolate confection with a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 100 ppb in the admixture.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of preparing a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, comprising synthesizing a synthetic peptide, wherein the synthetic peptide is at least 99% pure.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of preparing a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the method comprises (i) providing a food product source, and (ii) subjecting the food product source to fractionation, extraction, or a combination thereof, to produce a composition enriched for the peptide. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the extraction is selected from the group consisting of ethanol extraction and liquid/solid extraction. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the fractionation is solid phase fractionation.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of preparing a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the method comprises (i) providing a food product source, and (ii) subjecting the food product source to hydrolysis to produce a composition enriched for the peptide.

In certain non-limiting embodiments, the present disclosure provides for a method of preparing a flavor composition comprising a peptide as described herein, wherein the method comprises (i) providing a food product source, and (ii) subjecting the food product source to hydrolysis, fractionation, extraction, or a combination thereof, to produce a composition enriched for the peptide. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the extraction is selected from the group consisting of ethanol extraction and liquid/solid extraction. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the fractionation is solid phase fractionation.

EXAMPLES

The presently disclosed subject matter will be better understood by reference to the following Examples, which are provided as exemplary of the invention, and not by way of limitation.

Example 1—Preparation of a Peptide Composition by Hydrolysis

The present example described the preparation of peptide for use in a flavor composition through the hydrolysis cocoa bean liquor made from West African cocoa beans.

Reagents:

A solution of 4N HCl was prepared by adding 100 mL 34-37% HCl in a 250 mL volumetric flask and filling it with water. A solution of 4N NaOH was prepared by dissolving 80 g NaOH pellets in 500 mL of water in a volumetric flask.

Method:

Cocoa liquor was run through a sieve and 30.09 g of fine powder was weighed into a 500 mL 3-neck round-bottom flask. The liquor was dissolved in 4N HCl (200 mL) and a stir bar was added to the flask. The sample was stirred at room temperature until the liquor was fully dispersed and flowed freely. A condenser was affixed to the flask and held at 8° C. A digital thermometer was pierced through a rubber stopper to measure the temperature of the solution. The third neck was plugged with a rubber stopper. The flask was wrapped in aluminum foil and heated to approximately 106° C. using a heating mantle. The sample was refluxed for 4.5 hours and left to cool to room temperature. The sample was transferred to a 1 L beaker and neutralized to pH 7 with 4N NaOH using a digital pH meter (pH 6.98 @ 29° C.). The sample was divided equally into 4 250 mL centrifuge tubes and centrifuged for 10 minutes @ 4500 rpm. The supernatant was filtered under vacuum through a Buchner funnel. The filtrate was then transferred to 2 32 oz plastic containers and lyophilized (yield 52.50 g).

Example 1a—Preparation of a Peptide Composition by Extraction and Fractionation of a Cocoa Liquor Hydrolysate

1. Hydrolysis of Cocoa Powder

-   -   Preparation: A solution of 4N HCl was prepared by adding 100 mL         34-37% HCl in a 250 mL volumetric flask and filling it to the         line with water. A solution of 4N NaOH was prepared by         dissolving 80 g NaOH pellets in 500 mL of water in a volumetric         flask.     -   Procedure: Cocoa liquor made from West African cocoa beans was         run through a sieve and 30.09 g of fine powder was weighed into         a 500 mL 3-neck round-bottom flask. The liquor was dissolved in         4N HCl (200 mL) and a stir bar was added to the flask. The         sample was stirred at room temperature until the liquor was         fully dispersed and flowed freely. A condenser was affixed to         the flask and held at 8° C. A digital thermometer was pierced         through a rubber stopper to measure the temperature of the         solution. The third neck was plugged with a rubber stopper. The         flask was wrapped in aluminum foil and heated to approximately         106° C. using a heating mantle. The sample was refluxed for 4.5         hours and left to cool to room temperature. The sample was         transferred to a 1 L beaker and neutralized to pH 7 with 4N NaOH         using a digital pH meter (pH 6.98 @ 29° C.). The sample was         divided equally into 4 250 mL centrifuge tubes and centrifuged         for 10 minutes @4500 rpm. The supernatant was filtered under         vacuum through a Buchner funnel. The filtrate was then         transferred to 2 32 oz plastic containers and lyophilized.

2. Ethanol Extraction of Hydrolyzed Cocoa Powder

-   -   The hydrolyzed cocoa powder was extracted with ethanol to remove         a bulk of the salts generated during neutralization. Hydrolyzed         cocoa powder (50.36 g) was divided equally into 2 500 mL         centrifuge tubes. Ethanol (200 mL) was added slowly to each tube         as to not disturb the sample. The samples were shaken for 15         minutes on an autoshaker and then centrifuged for 10 minutes @         4500 rpm. The supernatant was decanted into a 1000 mL         round-bottom flask. The residue was scraped off the bottom of         the tubes and redissolved in ethanol (200 mL each). The samples         were shaken for 15 minutes on an autoshaker and then centrifuged         for 10 minutes @ 4500 rpm. The supernatant was combined with the         previous supernatant and evaporated under reduced pressure to         remove all organic solvent. The remaining solids were         redissolved in approximately 100 mL deionized water and         lyophilized.

3. SPE (Solid Phase Extraction) Fractionation of HCP (Hydrolysed Cocoa Powder) Ethanol Extract

-   -   The extract previously obtained was further fractionated to         exhaustively remove the salts and hydrophilic molecules. HCP         ethanol extract was transferred to 14 glass vials (approximately         0.5 g each, 20 mL volume) and dissolved in DI water (10 mL). The         samples were shaken until dissolved (approximately 1 minute).         The samples were filtered through a syringe and PTFE filter to         remove particulates as necessary. A solid phase extraction (SPE)         cartridge (20 g/60 mL, C18 stationary phase) was conditioned         sequentially with DI water (100 mL), methanol (100 mL), and DI         water (100 mL). The sample (10 mL) was then loaded onto         cartridge and washed with DI water (100 mL) and extracted with         methanol (100 mL). The cartridge was reconditioned and the         remaining 13 samples were washed and extracted as previously         described. The organic solutions were combined and rotary         evaporated under reduced pressure. The residue was redissolved         in DI water and lyophilized using a Labconco freeze dryer. The         sample was separated by high-performance liquid chromatography         (HPLC) to narrow down the taste-active molecules of interest.

Example 1b—Preparation of a Peptide Composition by Extraction and Fractionation of Cocoa Liquor

1. Liquid/Solid Extraction of Liquor

-   -   Cocoa Liquor made from cocoa beans sourced from Papua New Guinea         (PNG liquor) (600 g) was frozen in liquid nitrogen and ground         into a fine powder with a laboratory mill. The powder was         divided equally into six plastic centrifuge tubes (500 mL         volume). Each sample (100 g PNG liquor) was extracted with         diethyl ether (200 mL) for 15 minutes using an autoshaker to         remove the fat. After centrifugation (10 min, 4500 rpm), the         supernatant was discarded. The extraction process was repeated         three more times for a total of four times. The remaining         defatted liquor was left to air dry in a fume hood overnight.         Defatted liquor (200 g) was divided equally between four plastic         centrifuge bottles (250 mL volume). To each sample (50 g         defatted PNG liquor), 150 mL 70:30 acetone:water was added. The         bottles were placed on an autoshaker for 15 minutes. Each sample         was centrifuged (5 min, 3500 rpm) and then the supernatant was         vacuum filtered using Whatman 540 filter paper and a Buchner         funnel. The residue was freed from the bottom of the bottles by         hand and additional 70:30 acetone:water (100 mL) was added to         each sample. The samples were shaken for 15 minutes using an         auto-shaker. After centrifugation (10 min, 4500 rpm), the         supernatant was vacuum filtered again using the same procedure         described above. The supernatants from each extraction were         combined (˜800 mL) and the residue was discarded. The         supernatant was rotary evaporated under reduced pressure and the         remaining aqueous solution (˜250 mL) was transferred into a         separatory funnel (1000 mL volume). The aqueous solution was         washed with Dichloromethane (3×300 mL) to remove any xanthines.         The dichloromethane layer was discarded, then the aqueous         solution was washed sequentially with n-butyl acetate (3×300         mL), ethyl acetate (3×300 mL), and methyl acetate (3×300 mL) to         remove procyanidins. The organic layers were discarded and the         aqueous solution (F7) was rotary evaporated under reduced         pressure to remove any remaining solvent. The remaining water         solution was lyophilized using a Labconco freeze dryer (100×10⁻³         mbar, −40° C.). Sensory analysis was performed and the savory         attribute was found to be in F7.

2. Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)

-   -   For removal of any residual salts, treated PNG liquor powder         (F7) was transferred to 14 glass vials (20 mL volume,         approximately 0.5 g sample in each vial) and dissolved in DI         water (10 mL). The samples were shaken until dissolved         (approximately 1 minute). A solid phase extraction (SPE)         cartridge (20 g/60 mL, C18 stationary phase) was conditioned         sequentially with DI water (100 mL), methanol (100 mL), and DI         water (100 mL). The vacuum was broken and the sample (10 mL) was         then loaded onto cartridge. The vacuum was resumed and the         sample was washed with DI water (100 mL). The receptacle flask         was changed and the sample was extracted with methanol (100 mL).         The cartridge was reconditioned and the remaining 13 samples         were washed and extracted as previously described. The organic         solutions were combined and rotary evaporated under reduced         pressure. The residue was redissolved in DI water and         lyophilized using a Labconco freeze dryer (100×10⁻³ mbar, −40°         C.). Sensory analysis confirmed the presence of the savory         attribute in the organic fraction.

Example 2—Preparation of a Peptide Composition by Synthetic Chemosynthesis

The present example described the preparation of peptide for use in a flavor composition through a synthetic chemosysnthesis method.

Method:

A pGlu-Val-Leu tripeptide of the present application having a molecular weight of 341.41 was prepared from a Wang resin according to the following methods, and as described in FIG. 1A-B. The chemosynthetic methods used for preparing the tripeptide are as follows:

1. Synthesis of an amino acid resin (Fmoc-AA)-TA-XXX Resin) (Note: TA=XXX)

-   -   a. Place Wang Resin into the reactor and add DMF swelling resin     -   b. Fmoc deprotection: add 20% piperidine/DMF solution to resin         reaction mixture     -   c. Resin washing: wash the resin 3 times with DMF, and pump out         the resin     -   d. Add a small quantity of the resin reaction mixture to         Fmoc-XXX-OH, HOBt XX and DIPCDI XX reagents, respectively, to         dissolve the reagents. Add the solutions into the reactor to         react with the resin mixture at room temperature     -   e. Remove a 20 mg sample of the reaction mixture, and test the         substitutability of the mixture

2. Synthesis of a peptide resin

-   -   a. Synthesize the polypeptide with a peptide synthesizer (room         temperature: 26-30° C.)     -   b. Input the target sequence and configure related parameters     -   c. Start synthesis: perform recycled synthesis operations,         including deprotection and coupling reaction, etc., according to         the synthesis process     -   d. After the synthesis and deprotection of the last amino acid,         the reaction is over and the resin is pumped out

3. Oxidation and cyclization

-   -   a. Place peptide resin solution into a reaction column and         maintain the column for oxidation and cyclization     -   b. Remove the column, and move the peptide resin from the column         into a vacuum dryer for vacuum drying

4. Cleavage of peptide resin

-   -   a. Place the peptide resin into a container for cleavage. Add         cleavage reagent and allow the reaction to proceed out of direct         sunlight (i.e., in the shade)     -   b. Upon completion of the reaction, filter and freeze the         peptide resin for aging, centrifugalize for separation and         collect the sediment.     -   c. Wash the sediment 3 times with a proper quantity of frozen         absolute ether     -   d. Dry with a vacuum dryer and obtain the crude product

5. Technological process of purification

-   -   a. Process of HPLC purification         -   i. Conditions of purification             -   Mobile phase:                 -   A: 0.01% TFA in 100% acetonitrile Solvent                 -   B: 0.1% TFA in 100%/Water             -   Gradient:

Time A B 0.1 10 90 25 35 65 25.01 Stop

-   -   -   -   Chromatographic column: Rampak column packing machine,                 filler: Vydac-C18

        -   ii. Process of purification: Dissolve crude peptide in an             acetic acid water solution. Concentration the peptide             solution, then filter the peptide solution with a 0.45 μm             filter membrane. Load the samples, separate and purify,             collect the main peaks, concentrate with rotary             distillation.

    -   b. Process of salt conversion         -   i. Method One: Sodium ion exchange resin         -   ii. Method Two: 10% NaHCO₃ and 10% Na2CO3 dissolved             microporous resin

6. Lyophilization

-   -   a. Pre-lyophilize (time length: 2.5-3 hours):         -   i. Set the shelf temperature as −45° C. After about 30-45             minutes, the shelf temperature reaches the preset             temperature and the product temperature reaches −40° C. Keep             this status for 2 hours.         -   ii. In the course of pre-freeze, the temperature of the cold             trap should be controlled as ≤−50° C.     -   b. First drying, removing the free moisture:         -   i. Start the vacuum pump and decrease the air pressure in             the lyophilizer to 10 Pa and keep this air pressure         -   ii. Increase the shelf temperature from −45° C. to 10° C.             with an even gradient within 12 hours         -   iii. Increase the shelf temperature from 10° C. to 30° C.             with an even gradient within 1-2 hours         -   iv. From the start of the first drying to the product is             pumped out, control the product temperature below −20° C.             If, as estimated, the product temperature would exceeds             −20° C. within the specified timeframe, decrease the shelf             temperature by about 3° C. in a timely manner, so as to             ensure that the lyophilized product can be dissolved or             disintegrated.     -   c. Second drying:         -   i. Adjust the pressure within the lyophilizer to 5 Pa and             keep it with slight fluctuation         -   ii. Set the shelf temperature as 35° C., and, when the             product temperature reaches 30-33° C., keep for 2 hours         -   iii. n such a course, the temperature of the cold trap             should be controlled as ≤−50° C. with slight fluctuation.     -   d. Nitrogen filling and stopper plugging:         -   i. Close the isolating valve and vacuum pump in order,             refrigerate the front chamber and decrease the shelf             temperature to 15-20° C.         -   ii. Open the nitrogen valve and related valves, fill a small             quantity of nitrogen into the lyophilization chamber (it             should be conducted slowly and only a small quantity of             nitrogen can be filled in. Too quick action and too much             nitrogen may cause stopper dropping)         -   iii. After nitrogen filling, start the automatic stopper             plugging device to stopper the vials 4.         -   iv. Release the vacuum: after the rubber stopper is tightly             plugged, open the vacuum leakage valve to release the vacuum             in the chamber and make the pressure return to the normal             pressure     -   e. Removal from the chamber:         -   i. Turn off the lyophilizer and auxiliary equipment             according to the lyophilizer operation procedures         -   ii. Lift the shelf to the maximum height         -   iii. Open the chamber door and remove the products

Example 3—Enhancement of Salty Taste by a pGlu-Val-Leu Peptide

The present example describes the evaluation of the descriptive profile of a pGlu-Val-Leu peptide of the present application.

Methods:

Descriptive Profiles (Flavor and Chemical Feeling Factors) of five use levels of a pGlu-Val-Leu flavor composition were determined using the Spectrum™ method. The five use levels were as follows: 0.1 ppb, 0.5 ppb, 1.0 ppb, 10.0 ppb and 40.0 ppb.

Data was collected for the flavor and chemical feeling factors of the product in-mouth for each of the five use levels according to the following protocol. One replication was collected for the flavor and chemical feeling factors of the product in-mouth. 6-9 panelists evaluated per session.

Increased Salt Perception Protocol

1. Each panelist tasted a salt reference (0.35% salt solution) with a reference salt intensity of 5.0 which provided a baseline for each panelist for salt intensity.

2. Each panelist tasted a test sample (0.1 ppb, 0.5 ppb, 1.0 ppb, 10.0 ppb or 40.0 ppb all in 0.2% NaCl solution). Only one sample was tasted per session.

3. Each panelist re-tasted the salt reference (5.0 intensity) and rated it for salt intensity as well as any other basic taste, chemical feeling factor, or aromatic perceived. Thus, any increased salt perception as a result of the test sample would be determined, as well as any other perceptions present.

Return to Baseline Protocol

After evaluating the sample for salt and other perceptions (step 3 above), each panelist re-tasted the salt reference (5.0 intensity) at 1 minute intervals until their perception of the saltiness intensity of the reference returned to 5.0. Each panelist recorded salt intensity at each interval and took qualitative notes on other perceptions seen in aftertaste.

The test samples were formulated as described in table 2.

TABLE 2 Test sample formulations. Sample NaCl (g) Water (g) pGlu-Val-Leu peptide (5 ppm) in NaCl (g) 0.1 ppb 1.98 0.02 998 0.5 ppb 0.475  0.025 249.5 1.0 ppb 0.45 0.05 249.5 pGlu-Val-Leu peptide (50 ppm) in NaCl (g) 10.0 ppb  0.45 0.05 249.5 40.0 ppb  0.3 0.2  249.5

Results

Results of the panelists' perceptions of the salt intensity of the pGlu-Val-Leu peptide are shown in table 3.

TABLE 3 Results of the panelists' perceptions of the salt intensity of the pGlu-Val-Leu peptide. Mean salt Mean salt pGlu-Val-Leu perception perception after Mean time needed sample in-mouth expectoration to return to baseline 0.1 ppb 2.3 6.8 7.6 Minutes 0.5 ppb 2.8 6.4 9.5 Minutes 1.0 ppb 2.3 7.5 8.7 Minutes 10.0 ppb  3.1 8.2 8.6 Minutes 40.0 ppb  2.8 8.3 13.1 Minutes  No notable differences in salt perception were seen in-mouth for the samples tested.

-   -   As the concentrations of the pGlu-Val-Leu peptide in solution         increased, the perception of salt did not significantly increase         in-mouth.         The salt perception after expectoration of the test sample, and         re-tasting the reference sample increased slightly with         increased concentrations of the pGlu-Val-Leu peptide solution.     -   Salt perception increased after expectoration in all samples.         Higher levels of pGlu-Val-Leu peptide resulted in higher levels         of saltiness.         The amount of time needed to return to baseline did not         necessarily increase with increased concentrations of the         pGlu-Val-Leu peptide solution.     -   The time needed to return to baseline increased notably from 0.1         ppb to 0.5 ppb and from 10.0 ppb to 40.0 ppb. The concentrations         in the middle (0.5, 1.0 and 10.0 ppb) did not differ notably         from each other in time needed to return to baseline.

Example 4—Descriptive Analysis of Salt Enhancing Flavor Composition Peptides in Solution

The present example describes the evaluation of the descriptive profile of pGlu-Val-Leu (identified as “SE-13”), pGlu-Val (identified as “SE-14”) and pGlu-Val-Val (identified as “SE-17”) peptides of the present application. An objective of the study was to understand the efficacy of salt enhancer compounds SE-13, SE-14 and SE-17 in increasing concentrations, and to understand the amount of time needed for salt perception to return to baseline after the solutions have been expectorated.

Methods:

Descriptive attributes (e.g., taste, flavor and chemical feeling factors) of six use levels of pGlu-Val-Leu (SE-13), pGlu-Val (SE-14) and pGlu-Val-Val (SE-17) flavor composition peptides were determined. The six use levels were as follows: 0.1 ppb, 0.5 ppb, 1.0 ppb, 10.0 ppb, 40.0 ppb and 50.0 ppb.

Data was collected for the attributes of the product in-mouth for the use levels according to the following protocol:

-   -   The samples were analyzed for flavor and aftertaste by six-nine         members of a panel, trained and experienced in appearance,         flavor and texture evaluation using the Spectrum™ method.         Samples in solution were evaluated across multiple panel         sessions.     -   The strength of each attribute was rated on a 15-point scale,         where 0=none and 15=very strong.         -   This scale incorporates the ability to use tenths of a point             and therefore has the potential of 150 scale             differentiations.         -   The scale may be expanded beyond 15 points to include             extreme ratings if necessary.

Attribute Perception Protocol

The panelists evaluated each sample using the following procedure

-   -   Descriptive Profiles (flavor and chemical feeling factors) of 5         levels of salt enhancing solutions     -   Individual data was collected for the flavor and chemical         feeling factors of the product in-mouth

Increased Salt Perception Protocol

-   -   Each panelist tasted salt 5 reference (0.35% salt solution)—to         ground themselves on salt intensity of 5.0.     -   Each panelist tasted the test sample (0.1 ppb, 0.5 ppb, 1.0 ppb,         10.0 ppb or 40.0/50.0 ppb all in 0.2% NaCl solution: only one         per session)     -   Each panelist then re-tasted the salt 5 reference and rated it         for salt intensity as well as any other basic taste, chemical         feeling factor, or aromatic perceived. This captured any         increased salt perception indicated by the test sample as well         as any other perceptions present.

Return to Baseline Protocol

-   -   After evaluating the sample for salt & other perceptions,         panelists re-tasted the salt 5 reference at 1 minute intervals         until their perception of the salt 5 saltiness intensity had         returned to 5.0. Each panelist recorded their salt intensity at         each interval and took qualitative notes on other perceptions         seen in aftertaste.

Sample Preparation

The 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 10, 40, and 50 ppb test samples of the flavor composition peptides were prepared in water as described in table 4.

TABLE 4 0.1, 0.5, 1.0 10, 40, and 50 ppb test sample formulations. SE-13-(5 ppm) in NaCl (g) NaCl (g) Water (g) 0.1 ppb 1.98 0.02 998   0.5 ppb  0.475  0.025 249.5 1.0 ppb 0.45 0.05 249.5 SE-13-(50 ppm) in NaCl (g) NaCl (g) Water (g) 10 ppb 0.45 0.05 249.5 40 ppb 0.3  0.2  249.5 NaCl (mg) SE-14-(5 ppm) Water (g) 0.1 ppb 1980  20 998   0.5 ppb 475 25 249.5 1.0 ppb 450 50 249.5 NaCl (mg) SE-14-(50 ppm) Water (g) 10 ppb 450  50 249.5 50 ppb 300 200 249.5 NaCl (mg) SE-17-(5 ppm) Water (g) 0.1 ppb 1980  20 998   0.5 ppb 475 25 249.5 1.0 ppb 450 50 249.5 NaCl (mg) SE-17-(50 ppm) Water (g) 10 ppb 450  50 249.5 50 ppb 300 200 249.5

Attributes Analyzed

The panelists evaluated each sample for the attributes described in table 5.

TABLE 5 Attributes evaluated by panelists. Attribute Definition Aromatics Mineral/ The aromatics associated with metal and mineral deposits, Flinty may be reminiscent of wet stones. Basic Tastes Salt The taste on the tongue associated with sodium and other salts. Sweet The taste on the tongue associated with sugars and high potency sweeteners. Sour The taste on the tongue stimulated by acid, such as citric, malic, phosphoric, etc. Bitter The taste on the tongue associated with caffeine and other bitter substances, such as quinine and hop bitters. Chemical FF Metallic The chemical feeling factor on the surface of the tongue stimulated by metal ions from iron, copper and zinc. It has a flat feel: metal coins placed in the mouth can be used as reference. Numbing The numbing sensation in the mouth (described as loss of feeling on the oral surfaces) - a reference for this is eugenol (clove oil). Astringent The shrinking or puckering of the tongue surface caused by substances such as tannins or alum.

Results SE-13

The mean evaluation scores for the in-mouth perception of the attributes by the panelists are described in table 6.

TABLE 6 Mean evaluation scores for the in-mouth perception of SE-13. Flinty/ SE-13 Mineral Salt Sweet Sour Bitter Metallic Numbing Astringent 0.1 ppb 0.1 2.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.5 ppb 0.3 2.8 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 1.0 ppb 0.5 2.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 10.0 ppb  0.3 3.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 40.0 ppb  0.4 2.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0

-   -   The salt perception level does not increase notably in-mouth as         the concentration of SE-13 increases.     -   Panelists also experience Umami like swelling of lips and tongue         in all levels of SE-13.     -   The level of the aromatics, basic tastes, and chemical feeling         factors does not increase with the increasing concentration of         SE-13 in-mouth.

The mean evaluation scores for the after-expectoration perception of the attributes by the panelists are described in table 7.

TABLE 7 Mean evaluation scores for the after-expectoration perception of SE-13. Flinty/ SE-13 Mineral Salt Sweet Sour Bitter Metallic Numbing Astringent 0.1 ppb 0.1 6.8 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.5 ppb 0.1 6.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.0 1.0 ppb 0.2 7.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 10.0 ppb  0.1 8.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 40.0 ppb  0.3 8.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0

-   -   The level of salt perception increases slightly as the         concentration of SE-13 increases. However, this is not true for         the 0.5 ppb solution which has a slightly lower salt perception         than 0.1 ppb (this difference is not notable).     -   Salt perception increases after expectoration in all samples.         Higher levels of SE-13 results in higher levels of saltiness.     -   Panelists also experience Umami like swelling of lips and tongue         in all levels of SE-13.     -   The level of the aromatics, basic tastes (excluding salt) and         chemical feeling factors do not increase with the increasing         concentration of SE-13.

The mean time for the panelists' perception of the salt 5 reference to return to baseline is described in table 8.

TABLE 8 Mean time for the panelists' perception of the salt 5 reference to return to baseline. SE-13 Mean time needed to return to baseline 0.1 ppb 7.6 Minutes 0.5 ppb 9.5 Minutes 1.0 ppb 8.7 Minutes 10.0 ppb  8.6 Minutes 40.0 ppb  13.1 Minutes 

-   -   The time needed to return to baseline increases notably from 0.1         ppb to 0.5 ppb and from 10.0 ppb to 40.0 ppb. 0.5, 1.0 and 10.0         ppb concentrations do not differ notably from each other in time         needed to return to baseline.

A summary of the panelists' evaluation of SE-13 is shown in table 9.

TABLE 9 Summary of the panelists' evaluation of SE-13. Mean salt Mean salt Mean time needed perception in perception after to return to mouth expectoration baseline SE-13 SE-13 SE-13 0.1 ppb 2.3 6.8 7.6 Minutes 0.5 ppb 2.8 6.4 9.5 Minutes 1.0 ppb 2.3 7.5 8.7 Minutes 10.0 ppb  3.1 8.2 8.6 Minutes 40.0 ppb  2.8 8.3 13.1 Minutes 

The SE-13 salt enhancer:

-   -   Shows a noticeable increase in salt perception from in-mouth to         after expectoration (data shown in rows above)     -   Does not show a notable increase in salt perception as the         concentration increases in-mouth (data shown in columns above)     -   Shows a slight increase in salt perception as the concentration         increases after expectoration (data shown in columns above)     -   The amount of time needed to return to baseline does not         necessarily increase with increased concentrations of the SE-13         solution.     -   Shows umami like feeling factor of lip and tongue swelling both         in-mouth and after expectoration

SE-14

The mean evaluation scores for the in-mouth perception of the attributes by the panelists are described in table 10.

TABLE 10 Mean evaluation scores for the in-mouth perception of SE-14. Flinty/ SE-14 Mineral Salt Sweet Sour Bitter Metallic Numbing Astringent 0.1 ppb 0.8 1.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.5 ppb 0.6 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 1.0 ppb 0.9 2.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 10.0 ppb  0.9 3.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 50.0 ppb  0.7 3.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0

-   -   The salt perception level increases slightly in-mouth as the         concentration of SE-14 increases.     -   Some panelists also experience Umami like swelling of lips and         tongue in all levels of SE-14. However, this feeling factor was         more prevalent in the aftertaste as opposed to in-mouth.     -   The level of the aromatics, basic tastes (excluding salt), and         chemical feeling factors does not increase with the increasing         concentration of SE-14 in-mouth.

The mean evaluation scores for the after-expectoration perception of the attributes by the panelists are described in table 11.

TABLE 11 Mean evaluation scores for the after-expectoration perception of SE-14. Flinty/ SE-14 Mineral Salt Sweet Sour Bitter Metallic Numbing Astringent 0.1 ppb 1.1 6.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.5 ppb 1.0 7.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 1.0 ppb 0.5 7.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1 10.0 ppb 1.0 7.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 50.0 ppb 0.6 8.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.1

-   -   Salt perception increases after expectoration (from in-mouth) in         all samples. Higher levels of SE-14 results in higher levels of         saltiness after expectoration.     -   The level of salt perception after expectoration increases         slightly as the concentration of SE-14 increases.     -   Panelists also experience Umami like swelling of lips and tongue         in all levels of SE-14. This feeling factor is seen mostly in         the aftertaste.     -   The level of the aromatics, basic tastes (excluding salt) and         chemical feeling factors do not increase with the increasing         concentration of SE-14.

The mean time for the panelists' perception of the salt 5 reference to return to baseline is described in table 12.

TABLE 12 Mean time for the panelists' perception of the salt 5 reference to return to baseline. SE-14 Mean time needed to return to baseline 0.1 ppb 4.6 Minutes 0.5 ppb 4.6 Minutes 1.0 ppb 3.9 Minutes 10.0 ppb  5.8 Minutes 50.0 ppb  6.6 Minutes

-   -   The time needed to return to baseline increases slightly overall         as the concentration of SE-14 increases.     -   0.1, 0.5, & 1.0 ppb concentrations do not differ notably from         each other in time needed to return to baseline.

A summary of panelists' evaluation of SE-14 is shown in table 13.

TABLE 13 Summary of panelists' evaluation of SE-14. Mean salt Mean salt Mean time needed perception perception after to return to in mouth expectoration baseline SE-14 SE-14 SE-14 0.1 ppb 1.8 6.7 4.6 Minutes 0.5 ppb 2.5 7.0 4.6 Minutes 1.0 ppb 2.9 7.0 3.9 Minutes 10.0 ppb 3.3 7.3 5.8 Minutes 50.0 ppb 3.2 8.0 6.6 Minutes

The SE-14 salt enhancer:

-   -   Shows a noticeable increase in salt perception from in-mouth to         after expectoration (data shown in rows above)     -   Shows a slight increase in salt perception as the concentration         increases both in-mouth and after expectoration (data shown in         columns above)     -   Shows a slight increase overall in time (min.) needed to return         to baseline as the concentration increases     -   Shows umami like feeling factor of lip and tongue swelling both         in-mouth and after expectoration

SE-17

The mean evaluation scores for the in-mouth perception of the attributes by the panelists are described in table 14.

TABLE 14 Mean evaluation scores for the in-mouth perception of SE-17. Flinty/ SE-17 Mineral Salt Sweet Sour Bitter Metallic Numbing Astringent 0.1 ppb 0.7 3.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 ppb 0.8 4.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 0.0 1.0 ppb 0.5 2.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 ppb 0.5 3.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 50.0 ppb 0.5 3.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

-   -   The salt perception level does not increase notably in-mouth as         the concentration of SE-17 increases.     -   Some panelists also experience Umami like swelling of lips and         tongue in all levels of SE-17. This feeling factor was more         prevalent in the aftertaste as opposed to in-mouth.     -   The level of the aromatics, basic tastes, and chemical feeling         factors does not increase with the increasing concentration of         SE-17 in-mouth.

The mean evaluation scores for the after-expectoration perception of the attributes by the panelists is described table 15.

TABLE 15 Mean evaluation scores for the after-expectoration perception of SE-17. Flinty/ SE-17 Mineral Salt Sweet Sour Bitter Metallic Numbing Astringent 0.1 ppb 0.6 7.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 ppb 0.7 8.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.0 ppb 0.5 7.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 ppb 0.3 7.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 50.0 ppb 0.4 7.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

-   -   Salt perception increases after expectoration (from in-mouth) in         all samples. Higher levels of SE-17 results in higher levels of         saltiness after expectoration.     -   The salt perception level does not increase notably after         expectoration as the concentration of SE-17 increases.     -   Panelists also experience Umami like swelling of lips and tongue         in all levels of SE-17.     -   The level of the aromatics, basic tastes, and chemical feeling         factors do not increase with the increasing concentration of         SE-17.

The mean time for the panelists' perception of the salt 5 reference to return to baseline is described in table 16.

TABLE 16 Mean time for the panelists' perception of the salt 5 reference to return to baseline SE-17 Mean time needed to return to baseline 0.1 ppb 3.4 Minutes 0.5 ppb 5.6 Minutes 1.0 ppb 5.0 Minutes 10.0 ppb 5.0 Minutes 50.0 ppb 4.1 Minutes

-   -   The time needed to return to baseline increases notably from 0.1         ppb to 0.5 ppb.     -   No definitive trends are seen in time to return to baseline with         regards to increasing concentrations on SE-17.

A summary of panelists' evaluation of SE-17 is shown in table 17.

TABLE 17 Summary of panelists' evaluation of SE-17. Mean salt Mean salt Mean time needed perception perception after to return to in mouth expectoration baseline SE-17 SE-17 SE-17 0.1 ppb 3.1 7.3 3.4 Minutes 0.5 ppb 4.0 8.1 5.6 Minutes 1.0 ppb 2.8 7.3 5.0 Minutes 10.0 ppb 3.6 7.2 5.0 Minutes 50.0 ppb 3.9 7.7 4.1 Minutes

The SE-17 salt enhancer:

-   -   Shows a noticeable increase in salt perception from in-mouth to         after expectoration (data shown in rows above)     -   Does not show a notable increase in salt perception as the         concentration increases either in-mouth or after expectoration         (data shown in columns above)     -   Shows no definitive trend in time needed to return to baseline         as the concentration increases     -   Shows umami like feeling factor of lip and tongue swelling both         in-mouth and after expectoration

Summary

A summary of the results of the panelists' perceptions of the attributes of the pGlu-Val-Leu (SE-13), pGlu-Val (SE-14) and pGlu-Val-Val (SE-17) flavor composition peptides is shown in table 18.

TABLE 18 Summary of the evaluation of the attributes of SE-13, SE-14 and SE-17. Mean salt Mean salt Mean time needed perception in perception after to return to mouth expectoration baseline (min.) SE-13 SE-14 SE-17 SE-13 SE-14 SE-17 SE-13 SE-14 SE-17 0.1 ppb 2.3 1.8 3.1 6.8 6.7 7.3 7.6 4.6 3.4 0.5 ppb 2.8 2.5 4.0 6.4 7.0 8.1 9.5 4.6 5.6 1.0 ppb 2.3 2.9 2.8 7.5 7.0 7.3 8.7 3.9 5.0 10.0 ppb 3.1 3.3 3.6 8.2 7.3 7.2 8.6 5.8 5.0 40.0 ppb 2.8 — — 8.3 — — 13.1 — — 50.0 ppb — 3.2 3.9 — 8.0 7.7 — 6.6 4.1

-   -   Overall, SE-17 showed the highest levels of salt perception         in-mouth.         -   The increasing concentration of SE-17 did not necessarily             increase in-mouth salt perception.     -   The salt perception after expectoration showed no trends with         increasing concentrations in any of the three salt enhancers.     -   The salt perception increased from in-mouth to after         expectoration in all three salt enhancing compounds.     -   The time needed to return to baseline was greatest in the SE-13         compound.         -   In all three salt enhancing compounds, increased             concentrations did not necessarily increase the amount of             time needed to return to baseline.

Example 5—Descriptive Analysis of an Umami Enhancing Flavor Composition Peptide in Solution

The present example describes the evaluation of the descriptive profile of a pGlu-Val-Cys (identified as “UE-30”) peptide of the present application. An objective of the study was to understand the efficacy of umami enhancer compound UE-30 in increasing concentrations.

Methods:

Descriptive attributes (e.g., taste, flavor and chemical feeling factors) of four use levels of a pGlu-Val-Cys (UE-30) flavor composition peptide was determined. The four use levels were as follows: 1.0 ppb, 10.0 ppb, 100.0 ppb and 1000.0 ppb.

Data was collected for the attributes of the product in-mouth for the use levels according to the following protocol:

-   -   The samples were analyzed for flavor and aftertaste by six-nine         members of a panel, trained and experienced in appearance,         flavor and texture evaluation using the Spectrum™ method.         Samples were evaluated across multiple panel sessions.     -   The strength of each attribute was rated on a 15-point scale,         where 0=none and 15=very strong.         -   This scale incorporates the ability to use tenths of a point             and therefore has the potential of 150 scale             differentiations.         -   The scale may be expanded beyond 15 points to include             extreme ratings if necessary.

Attribute Perception Protocol

The panelists evaluated each sample using the following procedure

-   -   Descriptive Profiles (Flavor and Chemical Feeling Factors) of 4         levels of UE-30 (umami enhancer)     -   Individual data (1 replication) was collected for the flavor and         chemical feeling factors of the product in-mouth

Sample Preparation

The 01, 10, 100 and 1000 ppb test samples of the flavor composition peptide was prepared in water as described in the table 19.

TABLE 19 01, 10, 100 and 1000 ppb test sample formulations of UE-30. NaCl, (mg) UE-30-(5 ppm). mg Water (g) 1 ppb 450  50 249.5 UE-30-(50 ppm), NaCl, (mg) mg Water (g) 10 ppb 450  50 249.5 100 ppb  0 500 249.5 UE-30-(500 ppm), NaCl, (mg) mg Water (g) 1000 ppb  0 500 249.5

Attributes Analyzed

The panelists evaluated each sample for the attributes described in table 20.

TABLE 20 Attributes evaluated by panelists. Attribute Definition Aromatics Mineral/Flinty The aromatics associated with metal and mineral deposits, may be reminiscent of wet stones. Umani/Brothy The aromatics associated with HVP and meat based broths. The aromatics associated with boiled meat, soup, and/or stock. Basic Tastes Salt The taste on the tongue associated with sodium and other salts. Sweet The taste on the tongue associated with sugars and high potency sweeteners. Sour The taste on the tongue stimulated by acid, such as citric, malic, phosphoric, etc. Bitter The taste on the tongue associated with caffeine and other bitter substances, such as quinine and hop bitters. Chemical FF Umami The coated feeling on the soft tissue of the oral cavity caused by monosodium glutamate or other ribonucleotides. Metallic The chemical feeling factor on the surface of the tongue stimulated by metal ions from iron, copper and zinc. It has a flat feel: metal coins placed in the mouth can be used as reference. Numbing The numbing sensation in the mouth (described as loss of feeling on the oral surfaces) - a reference for this is eugenol (clove oil). Astringent The shrinking or puckering of the tongue surface caused by substances such as tannins or alum.

Results UE-30

The mean evaluation scores for the in-mouth perception of the attributes by the panelists are described in table 21A.

TABLE 21A Mean evaluation scores for the in-mouth perception of UE-30. Mineral/ Umami/ Umami UE-30 Flinty Brothy Salt Sweet Sour Bitter FF Metallic Numbing Astringent 1.0 ppb 0.5 0.7 1.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 ppb 0.7 1.0 2.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.0 ppb 0.7 1.8 2.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 1000.0 ppb 0.6 2.5 3.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.5 0.0 0.0 0.0

-   -   The salt perception level increases slightly as the         concentration of UE-30 increases.     -   The umami/brothy aromatic increases slightly as the         concentration on UE-30 increases.     -   The umami feeling factor increases slightly as the concentration         of UE-30 increases.     -   The level of the remaining aromatics, basic tastes, and chemical         feeling factors does not increase with the increasing         concentration of UE-30 in-mouth.

Summary

A summary of the in-mouth results of the panelists' perceptions of the attributes of the pGlu-Val-Cys (UE-30) flavor composition peptides is shown in table 21B.

TABLE 21B Summary of the in-mouth results of perceptions of the attributes of UE-30. Umami/Brothy Salt Umami FF 1.0 ppb 0.7 1.9 0.5 10.0 ppb 1.0 2.1 1.9 100.0 ppb 1.8 2.6 2.7 1000.0 ppb 2.5 3.4 3.5

The UE-30 umami enhancer:

-   -   Shows increases in salt and umami aromatic and feeling factor as         the concentration increases

Example 6—Descriptive Analysis of Flavor Enhancing Flavor Composition Peptides in Rice and Solution

The present example describes the evaluation of the descriptive profile of pGlu-Cys (identified as “FE-35”), pGlu-Cys-Gly (identified as “FE-36”), pGlu-Cys-Cys (identified as “FE-37”), pGlu-Cys-Val (identified as “FE-38”) and pGlu-Val-Cys (identified as “UE-30”) peptides of the present application. An objective of the study was to understand the efficacy of flavor enhancer compounds FE-35, FE-36, FE-37, FE-38 and UE-30 in increasing concentrations both in solution and in rice, and to determine a Degree of Difference (DOD) score between a control rice sample (which includes NaCl, and no flavor composition peptide) and the test rice samples (with added flavor composition peptides at increasing concentrations).

Methods:

Descriptive attributes (e.g., taste, flavor and chemical feeling factors) of three use levels of pGlu-Cys (FE-35), pGlu-Cys-Gly (FE-36), pGlu-Cys-Cys (FE-37), pGlu-Cys-Val (FE-38) and pGlu-Val-Cys (UE-30) flavor composition peptides were determined. The three use levels were as follows: 1.0 ppb, 10.0 ppb and 100.0 ppb.

Data was collected for the attributes of the product in-mouth for the use levels according to the following protocol:

-   -   The samples were analyzed for flavor by six to nine members of a         panel, trained and experienced in flavor evaluation using the         Spectrum™ method. Samples were evaluated across multiple panel         sessions.     -   The strength of each attribute was rated on a 15-point scale,         where 0=none and 15=very strong.         -   This scale incorporates the ability to use tenths of a point             and therefore has the potential of 150 scale             differentiations.         -   The scale may be expanded beyond 15 points to include             extreme ratings if necessary.

Preparation of Rice Samples

-   -   Each flavor enhancer was tested in Uncle Ben's Garden Vegetable         Ready rice matrix at 3 different concentrations: 1 ppb, 10 ppb         and 100 ppb. A total of 15 points with flavor enhancers were         prepared for sensory evaluation. Additionally, 15 control         samples were prepared. Each point had 2 samples (test and         control) and was made from one pouch of rice.     -   Directions to prepare the solutions:     -   The 15 ready- to eat pouches were microwaved according to the         procedure found on the back of the pouch: (1) squeeze pouch to         separate rice, (2) tear two inches to vent, (3) heat on High for         90 seconds and (4) remove from microwave using COOL TOUCH area         on untorn side.     -   From each pouch 124.75 g (test sample) and 99.8 g (control) were         weighed out. The test sample had the flavor enhancer and/or         salt. The control sample only had salt added.     -   The flavor enhancer and/or salt (non-iodized salt) were weighed         in a souffle cup. The weighed amount of flavor enhancer and/or         salt was added to the sub-sampled rice. The rice was stirred and         mixed to evenly distribute the salt added.     -   Some rice was placed back into the souffle cup, sealed, and the         cup was shook to get the flavor enhancer and/or salt that may         have been stuck on the walls of the souffle cup. After shaking         the souffle cup, the rice was added back to the original         sub-sampled rice and stirred/mixed again.     -   Each sample (test and control) was microwaved for another 30         seconds (or until warm) to ensure that the salts/compounds were         going completely into the solutions.     -   All samples (test and control) were tasted at the same         temperature.     -   Each test sample had 0.2% NaCl added and flavor enhancers at the         specified concentrations.

The flavor composition peptide compositions used to prepare the rice samples are shown in table 22.

TABLE 22 Flavor composition peptide compositions used to prepare the rice samples Materials sent enhancer n Weight, g UE-30-(5 ppm)-13-AA2389 UE-30 5 ppm 3 UE-30-(50 ppm)-13-AA2389 UE-30 50 ppm 3 FE-35-(5 ppm)-13-AA2389 FE-35 5 ppm 3 FE-35-(50 ppm)-13-AA2389 FE-35 50 ppm 3 FE-36-(5 ppm)-13-AA2389 FE-36 5 ppm 3 FE-36-(50 ppm)-13-AA2389 FE-36 50 ppm 3 FE-37-(5 ppm)-13-AA2389 FE-37 5 ppm 3 FE-37-(50 ppm)-13-AA2389 FE-37 50 ppm 3 FE-38-(5 ppm)-13-AA2389 FE-38 5 ppm 3 FE-38-(50 ppm)-13-AA2389 FE-38 50 ppm 3

A summary of the concentrations of NaCl and flavor composition peptides in the rice samples is described in table 23. The first value of each cell represents a single sample amount of an ingredient in milligrams, and the second number in parenthesis is a doubling of the ingredient (in grams) for use in a doubled size sample.

TABLE 23 Concentrations of NaCl and flavor composition peptides used to formulate the rice samples. A. NaCl (mg) UE-30-(5 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Rice (g) 1.0 ppb 225 (0.45 g) 25 (0.05 g) 124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g) NaCl (mg) UE-30-(50 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Rice (g) 10.0 ppb 225 (0.45 g) 25 (0.05 g) 124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g) 100 ppb 0 250 (0.50 g)  124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g) B. NaCl (mg) FE-35-(5 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Rice (g) 1.0 ppb 225 (0.45 g) 25 (0.05 g) 124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g) NaCl (mg) FE-35-(50 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Rice (g) 10.0 ppb 225 (0.45 g) 25 (0.05 g) 124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g) 100 ppb 0 250 (0.50 g)  124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g) C. NaCl (mg) FE-36-(5 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Rice (g) 1.0 ppb 225 (0.45 g) 25 (0.05 g) 124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g) NaCl (mg) FE-36-(50 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Rice (g) 10.0 ppb 225 (0.45 g) 25 (0.05 g) 124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g) 100 ppb 0 250 (0.50 g)  124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g) D. NaCl (mg) FE-37-(5 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Rice (g) 1.0 ppb 225 (0.45 g) 25 (0.05 g) 124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g) NaCl (mg) FE-37-(50 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Rice (g) 10.0 ppb 225 (0.45 g) 25 (0.05 g) 124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g) 100 ppb 0 250 (0.50 g)  124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g) E. NaCl (mg) FE-38-(5 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Rice (g) 1.0 ppb 225 (0.45 g) 25 (0.05 g) 124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g) NaCl (mg) FE-38-(50 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Rice (g) 10.0 ppb 225 (0.45 g) 250 (0.05 g)  124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g) 100 ppb 0 250 (0.50 g)  124.75 (249.5 g) Control 200 (0.40 g) 0 99.8 (199.6 g)

Preparation of Solution Samples

A summary of the concentrations of NaCl, water and flavor composition peptides in the solution samples is described in table 24.

TABLE 24 Concentrations of NaCl, water and flavor composition peptides used to formulate the solution samples. A. NaCl (mg) UE-30-(5 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Water (g) 1.0 ppb 450 (0.45 g) 50 (0.05 g) 249.5-590 NaCl (mg) UE-30-(50 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Water (g) 10.0 ppb 450 (0.45 g) 50 (0.05 g) 249.5-674 100 ppb 0 500 (0.05 g)  249.5-112 B. NaCl (mg) FE-35-(5 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Water (g) 1.0 ppb 450 (0.45 g) 50 (0.05 g) 249.5-475 NaCl (mg) FE-35-(50 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Water (g) 10.0 ppb 450 (0.45 g) 50 (0.05 g) 249.5-358 100 ppb 0 500 (0.05 g)  249.5-706 C. NaCl (mg) FE-36-(5 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Water (g) 1.0 ppb 450 (0.45 g) 50 (0.05 g) 249.5-628 NaCl (mg) FE-36-(50 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Water (g) 10.0 ppb 450 (0.45 g) 50 (0.05 g) 249.5-434 100 ppb 0 500 (0.05 g)  249.5-335 D. NaCl (mg) FE-37-(5 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Water (g) 1.0 ppb 450 (0.45 g) 50 (0.05 g) 249.5-602 NaCl (mg) FE-37-(50 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Water (g) 10.0 ppb 450 (0.45 g) 50 (0.05 g) 249.5-595 100 ppb 0 500 (0.05 g)  249.5-450 E. NaCl (mg) FE-38-(5 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Water (g) 1.0 ppb 450 (0.45 g) 50 (0.05 g) 249.5-139 NaCl (mg) FE-38-(50 ppm) in NaCl (mg) Water (g) 10.0 ppb 450 (0.45 g) 50 (0.05 g) 249.5-291 100 ppb 0 500 (0.05 g)  249.5-927

Attributes Analyzed

The panelists evaluated each sample for the attributes described by table 25.

TABLE 25 Attributes evaluated by panelists. Attribute Definition Aromatics Total The total portion of flavor that is perceived Aromatics by the sense of smell from a substance in the mouth. Cooked White The aromatics associated with white rice. Rice Vegetable The aromatics associated with fresh vegetable Oil oil. HVP/Brothy The aromatics associated with HVP and meat based broths. The aromatics associated with boiled meat, soup, and/or stock. Black Pepper The aromatics associated with ground black pepper. Dehydrated The aromatics associated with onion or garlic. onion/garlic It can be further described as being dehydrated. Vegetable The aromatics associated with the total vegetable Complex impact which may include all types of vegetables. Cooked Green The aromatics associated with green vegetables Vegetables that have been cooked. Cooked Corn The aromatics associated with corn flavor which has been gently heated or boiled. Mineral/Flinty The aromatics associated with metal and mineral deposits, may be reminiscent of wet stones. Basic Tastes Salt The taste on the tongue associated with sodium and other salts. Sweet The taste on the tongue associated with sugars and high potency sweeteners. Bitter The taste on the tongue associated with caffeine and other bitter substances, such as quinine and hop bitters. Chemical FF Umami The coated feeling on the soft tissue of the oral cavity caused by monosodium glutamate or other ribonucleotides. Salt Burn The burning sensation on the tongue caused by salt. Heat The burning sensation in the mouth caused by certain substances, such as capsaicin from red peppers or piperin from black peppers, mild heat or warmth is caused by some brown spices Texture Mouthdrying The drying sensation in the mouth which are caused by tannins, alum, and strong solutions of vinegar, sucrose, salt, grain alcohol, etc. Residual The amount of film left on the surfaces of the mouth. Mouthcoating

Degree of Difference (DOD)

-   -   The degree of difference scale is a 0.0 to 10.0 rating         indicating how different a product is from a reference product         or control, with 0.0 meaning no difference and 10.0 being         extremely different     -   The degree of difference rating quantifies the magnitude of the         difference but is not directional         -   A degree of difference between 2.0 and 3.0 is considered low             enough that a number of consumers would not be able to tell             the two samples apart.         -   A degree of difference of 5.0 or greater is high enough that             a number of consumers would be able to tell the samples             apart.         -   A degree of difference of 4.0 is considered a questionable             area where consumers may or may not be able to tell the             difference.     -   DOD scale anchors:         -   0.0=no difference         -   5.0=noticeable difference         -   10.0=extreme difference     -   Perceiving a difference does not necessarily indicate a         difference in liking     -   Appearance differences are not taken into account when assigning         a DOD rating

Results Flavor Composition Peptides in Rice UE-30

The consensus data scores for the perception of the attributes by the panelists, and the degree of difference from control, are described in table 26.

TABLE 26 Consensus data scores for the perception of attributes and degree of difference for UE-30. Sample UE 30 UE3 0 UE 30 (5 ppm) (50 ppm) (50 ppm) Control 1.0 ppb 10.0 ppb 100 ppb FLAVOR Total Aromatics 6.5 6.8 6.8 6.8 Cooked White Rice 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Vegetable Oil 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.5 HVP/Brothy 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Black Pepper 1.3 1.3 1.5 1.5 Dehydrated onion/ 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 garlic Vegetable Complex 1.0 1.5 1.8 1.8 Cooked Green 0.0 0.8 1.0 1.0 Vegetable Cooked Corn 0.5 0.8 1.0 1.0 Mineral/Flint 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.5 BASIC TASTES Sweet 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.5 Salt 12.5 15.0 15.0 16.0 Chemical Feeling Factors Umami 0.8 1.5 2.0 3.0 Salt Burn 0.0 1.0 0.8 1.3 Texture Mouthdrying 0.0 0.0 1.8 1.5 Residual 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 Mouthcoating DOD from Control — 4.5 5.0 5.0

-   -   A low level of cooked green vegetable is seen in all UE 30         samples, which is not seen in the Control.     -   All UE 30 samples are saltier than the Control and are higher in         umami and salt burn feeling factors.     -   UE 30 at 10 and 100 ppb have low mouthdrying.     -   Consumers will likely notice a difference between the Control         and 10 and 100 ppb concentrations of UE 30     -   Consumers may or may not notice a difference between the Control         and 1 ppb concentration of UE 30

FE-35

The consensus data scores for the perception of the attributes by the panelists, and the degree of difference from control, are described in table 27.

TABLE 27 Consensus data scores for the perception of attributes and degree of difference forFE-35. Sample FE 35 FE 35 FE 35 (5 ppm) (50 ppm) (50 ppm) Control 1.0 ppb 10.0 ppb 100 ppb Date Oct. 21, Oct. 22, Oct. 22, Oct. 22, 2013 2013 2013 2013 FLAVOR Total Aromatics 6.5 6.3 6.0 6.5 Cooked White Rice 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Vegetable Oil 0.8 0.5 0.5 0.8 HVP/Brothy 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 Black Pepper 1.3 1.0 0.8 1.0 Dehydrated onion/ 1.0 0.8 0.8 1.0 garlic Vegetable Complex 1.0 1.0 1.3 1.5 Cooked Green 0.0 0.5 0.8 0.8 Vegetable Cooked Corn 0.5 0.5 0.8 0.8 Mineral/Flint 0.0 0.8 1.3 1.0 BASIC TASTES Sweet 3.0 3.5 3.5 3.5 Salt 12.5 13.0 13.5 15.0 Chemical Feeling Factors Umami 0.8 1.0 3.0 4.0 Heat 0.0 0.8 0.5 0.5 Texture Mouthdrying 0.0 1.5 1.0 1.0 Residual 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Mouthcoating DOD from Control — 3.8 5.0 5.0

-   -   FE 35 at 50 ppm is slightly lower in total aromatics, which         contributes to the overall DOD score.     -   A low level of cooked green vegetable is seen in all FE 35         samples, which is not seen in the Control.     -   FE 35 at 100 ppb is saltier than the Control.     -   FE 35 at 10 & 100 ppb are higher in umami feeling factor         compared to the Control.     -   All FE 35 concentrations have a low level of heat and         mouthdrying that are not seen in the Control.     -   Consumers will likely notice a difference between the Control         and 10 and 100 ppb concentrations of FE 35     -   Consumers will likely not notice the difference between the         Control and 1 ppb concentration of FE 35

FE-36

The consensus data scores for the perception of the attributes by the panelists, and the degree of difference from control, are described in table 28.

TABLE 28 Consensus data scores for the perception of attributes and degree of difference forFE-36. Sample FE 36 FE 36 FE 36 (5 ppm) (50 ppm) (50 ppm) Control 1.0 ppb 10.0 ppb 100 ppb Date Oct. 21, Oct. 23, Oct. 23, Oct. 23, 2013 2013 2013 2013 FLAVOR Total Aromatics 6.5 6.0 6.5 6.3 Cooked White 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Rice Vegetable Oil 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 HVP/Brothy 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 Black Pepper 1.3 1.0 1.0 0.8 Dehydrated onion/ 1.0 1.0 1.5 1.3 garlic Vegetable Complex 1.0 1.5 2.0 1.5 Cooked Green 0.0 0.5 1.0 0.8 Vegetable Cooked Com 0.5 1.0 1.0 0.8 BASIC TASTES Sweet 3.0 3.5 3.5 3.5 Salt 12.5 11.5 13.5 13.5 Bitter 0.0 0.5 1.0 0.5 Chemical Feeling Factors Umami 0.8 1.5 3.0 4.0 Salt Burn 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 Texture Mouthdrying 0.0 1.0 1.5 2.0 Residual 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Mouthcoating DOD from Control — 5.0 5.0 5.5

-   -   A low level of cooked green vegetable is seen in all FE 36         samples, which is not seen in the Control.     -   All FE 36 samples are slightly bitter and are higher in umami.     -   FE 36 at 100 ppb has a low level of salt burn.     -   All FE 36 samples have mouthdrying, which is not seen in the         Control.     -   Consumers will likely notice a difference between the Control         and all concentrations of FE 36

FE-37

The consensus data scores for the perception of the attributes by the panelists, and the degree of difference from control, are described in table 29.

TABLE 29 Consensus data scores for the perception of attributes and degree of difference for FE-37. Sample FE37 FE37 FE 37 (5 ppm) (50 ppm) (50 ppm) Control 1.0 ppb 10.0 ppb 100 ppb Date Oct. 21, Oct. 24, Oct. 24, Oct. 24, 2013 2013 2013 2013 FLAVOR Total Aromatics 6.5 6.0 6.5 6.5 Cooked White 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Rice Vegetable Oil 0.8 0.8 0.8 0.8 HVP/Brothy 1.5 1.0 1.5 1.5 Black Pepper 1.3 1.0 1.0 1.0 Dehydrated onion/ 1.0 1.3 1.5 1.5 garlic Vegetable Complex 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.5 Cooked Green 0.0 0.5 0.5 0.8 Vegetable Cooked Corn 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.8 Mineral/Flint 0.0 0.8 0.8 1.0 BASIC TASTES Sweet 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.5 Salt 12.5 15.0 15.5 16.0 Bitter 0.0 0.8 1.5 1.0 Chemical Feeling Factors Umami 0.8 1.5 2.5 3.0 Salt Burn 0.0 0.8 1.3 1.8 Texture Mouthdrying 0.0 1.0 1.5 1.5 Residual 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Mouthcoating DOD from Control — 4.0 4.5 5.0

-   -   A low level of cooked green vegetable is seen in all FE 37         samples, which is not seen in the Control.     -   All FE 37 samples have a low mineral/flint note not seen in the         Control.     -   All FE 37 samples are saltier than the Control, are low in         bitter, and are higher in umami and salt burn feeling factors.     -   All FE 37 concentrations have mouthdrying.     -   Consumers will likely notice a difference between the Control         and 100 ppb concentration of FE 37     -   Consumers will may or may not notice a difference between the         Control and 1 and 10 ppb concentrations of FE 37

FE-38

The consensus data scores for the perception of the attributes by the panelists, and the degree of difference from control, are described in table 30.

TABLE 30 Consensus data scores for the perception of attributes and degree of difference for FE-38. Sample FE 38 FE 38 FE 38 (5 ppm) (50 ppm) (50 ppm) Control 1.0 ppb 10.0 ppb 100 ppb Date Oct. 21, Oct. 30, Oct. 30, Oct. 30, 2013 2013 2013 2013 FLAVOR Total Aromatics 6.5 6.3 6.0 6.5 Cooked White 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Rice Vegetable Oil 0.8 0.8 1.0 0.8 HVP/Brothy 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.5 Black Pepper 1.3 1.0 1.0 1.0 Dehydrated onion/ 1.0 1.0 0.8 1.0 garlic Vegetable Complex 1.0 1.5 1.0 1.5 Cooked Green 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.8 Vegetable Cooked Corn 0.5 0.8 1.0 0.8 Mineral/Flint 0.0 1.0 1.5 1.0 BASIC TASTES Sweet 3.0 3.5 3.3 3.5 Salt 12.5 13.8 13.0 13.5 Bitter 0.0 0.8 1.2 0.8 Chemical Feeling Factors Umami 0.8 2.0 2.0 3.0 Salt Burn 0.0 1.0 1.0 1.3 Texture Mouthdrying 0.0 1.8 2.0 2.5 Residual 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Mouthcoating DOD from Control — 4.5 5.0 4.5

-   -   A low level of cooked green vegetable is seen in FE 38 1 & 100         ppb concentrations, which is not seen in the Control.     -   All FE 38 concentrations have a low mineral/flint note not seen         in the Control.     -   All FE 38 samples are bitter and are higher in umami and salt         burn feeling factors compared to the Control.     -   All FE 38 samples have mouthdrying.     -   Consumers will likely notice a difference between the Control         and 10 ppb concentration of FE 38     -   Consumers may or may not notice a difference between the Control         and 1 and 100 ppb concentrations of FE 38

Flavor Composition Peptides in Solution UE-30

A summary of the panelists' attribute perception scores on a 15-point scale for the attributes is described in table 31.

TABLE 31 Attribute perception scores for UE-30 in solution. Mineral/ Umami/ Compound Concentration Sample Flinty brothy Salt Sweet Sour Bitter Umami Metallic Numbing Atringent UE 30 1 MIN 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 0.5 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 RANGE 0.5 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.2 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 MEAN 0.4 0.0 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 UE 30 10 MIN 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 00 0.0 00. 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 1.0 0.8 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 RANGE 1.0 0.8 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 MEAN 0.8 0.4 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 UE 30 100 MIN 0.8 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 1.5 0.5 2.0 0.0 0.0 1.5 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 RANGE 0.7 0.5 1.0 0.0 0.0 1.5 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.3 0.2 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 MEAN 1.1 0.1 1.8 0.0 0.0 0.7 2.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

The mean evaluation scores for the perception of the attributes by the panelists, and the degree of difference from control, are described in table 32.

TABLE 32 Mean evaluation scores for the perception of the attributes and degree of difference for UE-30 in solution. Flinty/ Umami Mineral Umami Salt Sweet Sour Bitter FF Metallic Numbing Astringent 1.0 ppb 0.4 0.0 1.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 ppb 0.8 0.4 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.0 ppb 1.1 0.1 1.8 0.0 0.0 0.7 2.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

-   -   The salt perception level increases slightly in-mouth as the         concentration increases.     -   Mineral/Flinty aromatic increases as the concentration         increases.     -   Umami feeling factor increases as concentrations increases.         However, umami aromatic shows no distinct pattern.

FE-35

A summary of the panelists' attribute perception scores on a 15-point scale for the attributes is described in table 33.

TABLE 33 Attribute perception scores for FE-35 in solution. Mineral/ Umami/ Compound Concentration Sample Flinty brothy Salt Sweet Sour Bitter Umami Metallic Numbing Atringent FE 35 1 MIN 0.5 1.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 1.0 2.0 2.0 1.0 0.0 0.5 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 RANGE 0.5 1.0 0.5 1.0 0.0 0.5 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.0 0.2 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 MEAN 0.9 1.5 1.8 0.3 0.0 0.1 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 FE 35 10 MIN 0.0 0.0 2.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 1.2 2.0 3.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 RANGE 1.2 2.0 0.8 1.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.4 0.8 0.4 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.9 0.8 0.0 0.0 MEAN 0.9 0.8 2.6 0.3 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 FE 35 100 MIN 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 1.5 1.0 2.5 1.0 0.0 0.0 1.5 1.0 0.0 0.0 RANGE 1.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 1.5 1.0 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.6 0.4 0.3 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.6 0.4 0.0 0.0 MEAN 0.7 0.2 2.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.3 0.0 0.0

The mean evaluation scores for the perception of the attributes by the panelists, and the degree of difference from control, are described in table 34.

TABLE 34 Mean evaluation scores for the perception of the attributes and degree of difference for FE-35 in solution. Flinty/ Umami Mineral Umami Salt Sweet Sour Bitter FF Metallic Numbing Astringent 1.0 ppb 0.9 1.5 1.8 0.3 0.0 0.1 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 ppb 0.9 0.8 2.6 0.3 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 100.0 ppb 0.7 0.2 2.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.3 0.0 0.0

-   -   Umami aromatic decreases slightly as the aromatic increases.         However, umami feeling factor shows no distinct pattern.     -   Mineral/flinty and salt show no distinct pattern with the         increasing concentrations of FE 35.

FE-36

A summary of the panelists' attribute perception scores on a 15-point scale for the attributes is described in table 35.

TABLE 35 Attribute perception scores for FE-36 in solution. Mineral/ Umami/ Compound Concentration Sample Flinty brothy Salt Sweet Sour Bitter Umami Metallic Numbing Atringent FE 36 1 MIN 0.0 0.0 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 1.0 1.0 3.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 RANGE 1.0 1.0 0.5 1.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.5 0.5 0.2 0.4 0.0 0.0 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.0 MEAN 0.7 0.3 2.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 FE 36 10 MIN 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 1.5 0.8 2.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 RANGE 1.5 0.8 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.5 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 MEAN 0.8 0.1 1.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 FE 36 100 MIN 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 1.0 0.0 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 RANGE 1.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.4 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 MEAN 0.8 0.0 2.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.6 0.0 0.0 0.0

The mean evaluation scores for the perception of the attributes by the panelists, and the degree of difference from control, are described in table 36.

TABLE 36 Mean evaluation scores for the perception of the attributes and degree of difference for FE-36 in solution. Flinty/ Umami Mineral Umami Salt Sweet Sour Bitter FF Metallic Numbing Astringent 1.0 ppb 0.7 0.3 2.6 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.1 0.0 0.0 10.0 ppb 0.8 0.1 1.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.9 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.0 ppb 0.8 0.0 2.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.6 0.0 0.0 0.0

No distinct patterns are seen in FE 36 as concentrations increase

FE-37

A summary of the panelists' attribute perception scores on a 15-point scale for the attributes is described in table 37.

TABLE 37 Attribute perception scores for FE-37 in solution. Mineral/ Umami/ Compound Concentration Sample Flinty brothy Salt Sweet Sour Bitter Umami Metallic Numbing Atringent FE 37 1 MIN 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 1.5 0.8 2.8 0.0 0.0 00 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 RANGE 1.5 0.8 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.6 0.3 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 MEAN 0.7 0.1 2.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 FE 37 10 MIN 0.0 0.0 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 1.0 1.0 3.5 0.8 0.0 0.0 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 RANGE 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 2.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 MEAN 0.8 0.2 3.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 FE 37 100 MIN 0.0 0.0 1.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 1.5 1.0 4.5 1.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 RANGE 1.5 1.0 3.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 3.0 0.8 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.5 0.5 1.0 0.4 0.0 0.0 1.1 0.3 0.0 0.0 MEAN 0.9 0.5 2.8 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.6 0.1 0.0 0.0

The mean evaluation scores for the perception of the attributes by the panelists, and the degree of difference from control, are described in table 38.

TABLE 38 Mean evaluation scores for the perception of the attributes and degree of difference for FE-37 in solution. Flinty/ Umami Mineral Umami Salt Sweet Sour Bitter FF Metallic Numbing Astringent 1.0 ppb 0.7 0.1 2.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 ppb 0.8 0.2 3.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 1.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.0 ppb 0.9 0.5 2.8 0.2 0.0 0.0 1.6 0.1 0.0 0.0

-   -   The salt perception level shows no distinct pattern as         concentration increases.     -   Mineral/Flinty and umami aromatics increase very slightly as the         concentration increases.     -   Umami feeling factor increases very slightly by 100 ppb.

FE-38

A summary of the panelists' attribute perception scores on a 15-point scale for the attributes is described in table 39.

TABLE 39 Attribute perception scores for FE-38 in solution. Mineral/ Umami/ Compound Concentration Sample Flinty brothy Salt Sweet Sour Bitter Umami Metallic Numbing Atringent FE 38 1 MIN 0.5 0.0 2.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 1.5 1.0 3.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 RANGE 1.0 1.0 0.7 0.0 0.0. 0.0 1.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 MEAN 1.0 0.2 3.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 FE 38 10 MIN 0.8 0.0 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 1.5 1.0 4.0 1.0 0.0 0.8 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 RANGE 0.7 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.0 0.8 3.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.3 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.0 0.4 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 MEAN 1.1 0.5 3.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 1.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 FE 38 100 MIN 0.8 0.0 3.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.0 0.0 0.0 MAX 1.5 1.0 4.0 1.0 0.0 0.8 3.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 RANGE 0.7 1.0 0.5 1.0 0.0 0.8 3.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 STDEV 0.3 0.5 0.3 0.4 0.0 0.4 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 MEAN 1.3 0.5 3.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.0

The mean evaluation scores for the perception of the attributes by the panelists, and the degree of difference from control, are described in table 40.

TABLE 40 Mean evaluation scores for the perception of the attributes and degree of difference for FE-38 in solution. Flinty/ Umami Mineral Umami Salt Sweet Sour Bitter FF Metallic Numbing Astringent 1.0 ppb 1.0 0.2 3.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 10.0 ppb 1.1 0.5 3.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 1.8 0.0 0.0 0.0 100.0 ppb 1.3 0.5 3.7 0.2 0.0 0.2 1.7 0.0 0.0 0.0

-   -   The salt perception level and umami aromatic increase very         slightly in-mouth at 10 ppb.     -   Mineral/Flinty aromatic increases very slightly as the         concentration increases.     -   Umami feeling factor shows no distinct pattern as concentration         increases.

Summary Flavor Composition Peptides in Rice

A summary of the results of the Degree of Difference in rice for the pGlu-Cys (FE-35), pGlu-Cys-Gly (FE-36), pGlu-Cys-Cys (FE-37) and pGlu-Cys-Val (FE-38) flavor composition peptides is shown in table 41.

TABLE 41 Summary of the Degree of Difference in rice for FE-35, FE-36, FE-37 and FE-38. UE 30 FE 35 FE 36 FE 37 FE 38 1.0 ppb 4.5 3.8 5.0 4.0 4.5 10.0 ppb 5.0 5.0 5.0 4.5 5.0 100.0 ppb 5.0 5.0 5.5 5.0 4.5

-   -   Consumers will likely notice a difference between the Control         and:         -   10 and 100 ppb concentrations of UE 30         -   and 10 and 100 ppb concentrations of FE 35         -   all concentrations of FE 36         -   100 ppb concentration of FE 37         -   10 ppb concentration of FE 38     -   Consumers may or may not notice a difference between the Control         and:         -   1 ppb concentration of UE 30         -   and 10 ppb concentrations of FE 37         -   1 and 100 ppb concentrations of FE 38     -   Consumers will likely not notice the difference between the         Control and 1 ppb concentration of FE 35     -   Overall, differences seen from Control are similar in all         salt/flavor enhancers at varying concentrations.     -   The degree to which the sample differs from the Control changes         with changing concentrations of the compound.         -   Generally, a mineral/flinty note is present in test samples             and tends to increase slight as concentration increases.         -   A cooked green vegetable note becomes present in test             samples and generally increases slightly as concentration             increases.         -   Umami feeling factor tends to increase as concentration             increases.         -   Mouthdrying becomes present in test samples and may increase             very slightly as concentration increases.         -   In all samples except FE 36, salt generally increases             slightly as concentration increases.

Flavor Composition Peptides in Solution

UE 30

-   -   The salt perception level and mineral/flinty aromatic increase         slightly in-mouth as the concentration increases.     -   Umami feeling factor increases as concentrations increases.         However, umami aromatic shows no distinct pattern.

FE 35

-   -   Umami aromatic decreases slightly as the concentration         increases. However, umami feeling factor shows no distinct         pattern.     -   Mineral/flinty and salt show no distinct pattern with the         increasing concentrations of FE 35.

FE 36

-   -   No distinct patterns are seen in FE 36 as concentrations         increase.

FE 37

-   -   The salt perception level shows no distinct pattern as         concentration increases.     -   Mineral/Flinty and umami aromatic and feeling factor increase         very slightly as the concentration increases.

FE 38

-   -   Salt perception level and mineral/Flinty and umami aromatics         increase very slightly as the concentration increases.     -   Umami feeling factor shows no distinct pattern as concentration         increases.

Example 7—Food Product Compositions Comprising Added Flavor Composition Peptides and Reduced Levels of Salt

Food products were prepared as described below, wherein flavor composition peptides of the present application were added to the food compositions, and further, wherein the level of salt (NaCl) in the food product compositions was reduced. As described below, the perception of salt was similar in the test compositions comprising the flavor composition peptides and reduced level of salt compared to a control food product comprising non-reduced salt levels and no flavor composition peptides.

A. 50% NaCl Reduction of Roasted Chicken Flavored Rice with the Addition of 50 ppb of pGlu-Val-Leu

Methods:

All Ingredients, except the rice, were placed into a container and mixed. The mixture was heated in a microwave for a total of one minute for two 30 second intervals. The rice and mixture were then mixed in a bowl. The cooking bowl was placed into a rice cooker and the cook cycle was started. After 36 minutes the rice was mixed and then allowed to cook for the remaining time for a total time of 49 minutes.

Three batches of rice were made: a control with 100%/NaCl (4.7696 g), a sample with 50% NaCl (2.38 g), and the last sample had 50% NaCl (2.38 g) with 50 ppb of pGlu-Val-Leu. A 200 ppm stock solution of pGlu-Val-Leu in water was made to be added to the rice, as shown in table 42.

TABLE 42 Control Sample A Sample B Ingredients (g) (g) (g) Rice 170 170 170 Chicken seasoning blend No NaCl 13.7704 16.1552 16.1552 NaCl 4.7696 2.3848 2.3848 Oil 8.82 8.82 8.82 Water 306.64 306.64 306.64 pGlu-Val-Leu 200 ppm solution 0 0 0.1 Total (g) 504 504 504.1 The table above shows the ingredients used to make the control and the 2 test batches. The control had no salt reduction, sample A had a 50% salt reduction, and sample B had a 50% salt reduction with pGlu-Val-Leu. Chicken seasoning blend used in the experiment.

Chicken Seasoning Blend:

Salt Granular Fine 0 g Citric Acid Anhydrous 0.0835 g Sugar Extra Fine 1.0393 g Potassium Chloride 0.2877 g Oleoresin Turmeric 0.1392 g Guar Gum Food Grade Powder 0.1670 g Xanthan Gum Fine Grind 200 Mesh Dried 0.0464 g Vitamin Mix 0.0278 g Commercial Simmered Chicken Flavor (flavor house) 0.5939 g Commercial Roasted Chicken Flavor (flavor house) 3.0529 g Silicone Dioxide 0.0464 g Yeast Extract 0.3897 g Ground Black Pepper 0.0371 g Carrot Granules 0.7238 g Parsley Flakes 0.2505 g

Results:

Sample A (50% NaCl reduction) was significantly less salty tasting than the control. The salty taste of sample B (50% NaCl reduction with 50 ppb pGlu-Val-Leu) was similar to that of the control sample.

B. 50% NaCl Reduction of Roasted Chicken Flavored Rice with the Addition of 50 ppb of pGlu-Val-Val

Methods:

All Ingredients, except the rice, were placed into a container and mixed. The mixture was heated in a microwave for a total of one minute for two 30 second intervals. The rice and mixture were then mixed in a bowl. The cooking bowl was placed into a rice cooker and the cook cycle was started. After 36 minutes the rice was mixed and then allowed to cook for the remaining time for a total time of 49 minutes.

Three batches of rice were made: a control with 100% NaCl, a sample with 50% NaCl, and a sample that had 50% NaCl (2.38 g) with 50 ppb of pGlu-Val-Val. A 200 ppm stock solution of pGlu-Val-Val in water was made to be added to the rice, as shown in table 43.

TABLE 43 Control Sample A Sample B Ingredients (g) (g) (g) Rice 170.2 170.5 170.2 Chicken seasoning blend #1 18.5418 9.174 9.27 Chicken seasoning blend #2 0 9.1276 9.124 (No NaCl/KCl) NaCl 0 0 0 KCl 0 0.3075 0.146 Oil 8.8 8.8 8.85 Water 306.4 306.4 306.64 pGlu-Val-Val 200 ppm Solution 0 0 0.12 Total (g) 503.9418 504.3091 504.35 The table above shows the ingredients used to make the control and the 2 test batches. Two chicken seasoning blends were blended together to give a 50% sodium reduced chicken seasoning blend. Chicken seasoning blend #1 used in the experiment. (Chicken seasoning blend #2 has no sodium chloride or potassium chloride added).

Chicken Seasoning Blend:

Salt Granular Fine 2.3848 g Citric Acid Anhydrous 0.0835 g Sugar Extra Fine 1.0393 g Potassium Chloride 0.2877 g Oleoresin Turmeric 0.1392 g Guar Gum Food Grade Powder 0.1670 g Xanthan Gum Fine Grind 200 Mesh Dried 0.0464 g Vitamin Mix 0.0278 g Commercial Simmered Chicken Flavor (flavor house) 0.5939 g Commercial Roasted Chicken Flavor (flavor house) 3.0529 g Silicone Dioxide 0.0464 g Yeast Extract 0.3897 g Ground Black Pepper 0.0371 g Carrot Granules 0.7238 g Parsley Flakes 0.2505 g

Results:

Sample A (50% NaCl reduction) was significantly less salty tasting than the control. The salty taste of sample B (50% NaCl reduction with 50 ppb pGlu-Val-Val) was similar to that of the control sample but had a salty aftertaste.

C. 50% NaCl Reduction of Roasted Chicken Flavored Rice with the Addition of 50 ppb of pGlu-Val and 50 ppb of pGlu-Pro-Glu

Methods:

All Ingredients, except the rice, were placed into a container and mixed. The mixture was heated in a microwave for a total of one minute for two 30 second intervals. The rice and mixture were then mixed in a bowl. The cooking bowl was placed into a rice cooker and the cook cycle was started. After 36 minutes the rice was mixed and then allowed to cook for the remaining time for a total time of 49 minutes.

Two batches of rice were made: a control with 50% NaCl (2.38 g), and the other sample had 50% NaCl (2.38 g) with 50 ppb of pGlu-Val and 50 ppb of pGlu-Pro-Glu. Two stock solutions were made to be added to the rice: a 200 ppm stock solution of pGlu-Val in water and a 200 ppm stock solution of pGlu-Pro-Glu in water, as shown in table 44.

TABLE 44 Required Control Test Ingredients (g) (g) (g) Rice 170 170.02 170.05 Chicken seasoning blend #1 9.27 9.2731 9.2665 Chicken seasoning blend #2 8.9823 8.9839 8.9762 (No NaCl/KCl) KCl 0.2877 0.2836 0.2989 Oil 8.82 8.92 8.86 Water 306.64 306.12 306.62 pGlu-Val 200 ppm Solution 0 0 0.12 pGlu-Pro-Glu 200 ppm Solution 0 0 0.09 Total (g) 504 504.2347 504.544 The table above shows the amount of ingredients added to the control and rice sample. Chicken seasoning blend #1 used in the experiment. (Chicken seasoning blend #2 has no sodium chloride or potassium chloride added).

Chicken Seasoning Blend:

Salt Granular Fine 2.3848 g Citric Acid Anhydrous 0.0835 g Sugar Extra Fine 1.0393 g Potassium Chloride 0.2877 g Oleoresin Turmeric 0.1392 g Guar Gum Food Grade Powder 0.1670 g Xanthan Gum Fine Grind 200 Mesh Dried 0.0464 g Vitamin Mix 0.0278 g Commercial Simmered Chicken Flavor (flavor house) 0.5939 g Commercial Roasted Chicken Flavor (flavor house) 3.0529 g Silicone Dioxide 0.0464 g Yeast Extract 0.3897 g Ground Black Pepper 0.0371 g Carrot Granules 0.7238 g Parsley Flakes 0.2505 g

Results:

The test sample (50% NaCl reduction with 50 ppb pGlu-Val and 50 ppb pGlu-Pro-Glu) was significantly less salty tasting than the control, had some umami attributes and also had a bitter aftertaste.

D. 60% NaCl Reduction in Chicken Broth with the Addition of 0.667 ppb of pGlu-Val-Leu

Methods:

Chicken broth (737 g) was transferred into the 32-oz plastic container and was heated in a microwave for a total of 1 min 45 sec for three 35 second intervals and shaken well each time. Then, either salt or salt with peptide was added to the broth. Again, it was re-heated for 30 seconds and shaken well.

Three batches of chicken broth were made: a control with 100% NaCl (1.474 g), a sample with 60% NaCl reduction (0.5896 g) and the last sample with 60% NaCl reduction (0.4919 g) and 0.667 ppb pGlu-Val-Leu (0.0986 g peptide stock). A 5 ppm stock of pGlu-Val-Leu in salt was made to be added to the chicken broth. Therefore, this peptide stock is a source of both pGlu-Val-Leu and NaCl, as shown in table 45.

TABLE 45 Control Sample A Sample B Ingredients (g) (g) (g) Chicken broth (Swanson 737 737 737 unsalted cooking stock) NaCl 1.474 0.5896 0.4919 pGlu-Val-Leu 5 ppm 0.0 0.0 0.0986 Total (g) 738.474 737.590 737.590 The table above shows the ingredients used to make the control and the 2 test batches. The control had no salt reduction, sample A had a 60% salt reduction, and sample B had a 60% salt reduction with pGlu-Val-Leu.

Results:

Sample A (60% NaCl reduction) was significantly less salty tasting than the control. The salty taste of sample B (60% NaCl reduction with pGlu-Val-Leu) was similar to that of the control sample.

E. 50% NaCl Reduction in Tomato Sauce with the Addition of 50 ppb of pGlu-Val-Leu

Methods:

Tomato sauce (1 bottle, 680 g) was transferred into a 32-oz plastic container and was heated in a microwave for a total of 1 min 45 sec for three 35 second intervals and was shaken well in between each interval.

Three batches of tomato sauce were made: a control with 100% NaCl (0.1 g), a sample with 50% NaCl reduction (0.05 g) and the last sample with 50% NaCl reduction and 50 ppb pGlu-Val-Leu (0.05 g). A 50 ppm stock of pGlu-Val-Leu in salt was made to be added to the tomato sauce. Therefore, this peptide stock is a source of both pGlu-Val-Leu and NaCl, as shown in table 46.

TABLE 46 Control Sample A Sample B Ingredients (g) (g) (g) Tomato sauce (Bionaturae Organic 50 50 50 Strained Tomatoes; no salt added) NaCl 0.1 0.05 0.0 pGlu-Val-Leu 50 ppm 0.0 0.0 0.05 Total (g) 50.1 50.05 50.05 The table above shows the ingredients used to make the control and the 2 test batches. The control had no salt reduction, sample A had a 50% salt reduction, and sample B had a 50% salt reduction with pGlu-Val-Leu.

Results:

Sample A (50% NaCl reduction) was significantly less salty tasting than the control. The salty taste of sample B (50% NaCl reduction with 50 ppb pGlu-Val-Leu) was similar to that of the control sample.

F. 50% NaCl Reduction in Peanut Butter with the Addition of 267 ppb of pGlu-Val-Leu

Methods:

All Ingredients were added into the mixing bowl and milled on the Retsch mill (model RM200) for a total of 30 minutes for two 15 minute intervals. After 15 minutes, the walls of the bowl were scraped with a spatula and then, milling was resumed.

Three batches of peanut butter were made: a control with 100% NaCl (0.05 g), a sample with 100% NaCl (0.05 g) and 267 ppb pGlu-Val-Leu, and a sample with 50% NaCl reduction (0.025 g) and with 267 ppb pGlu-Val-Leu.

A 1000 ppm stock of pGlu-Val-Leu in salt was made to be added to the peanut butter. Therefore, this peptide stock is a source of both pGlu-Val-Leu and NaCl, as shown in table 47.

TABLE 47 Control Sample A Sample B Ingredients (g) (g) (g) Peanut butter (organic, no salt added) 50 75 75 NaCl 0.05 0.05 0.025 pGlu-Val-Leu 1000 ppm 0.0 0.02 0.02 Total (g) 50.05 75.07 75.045 The table above shows the ingredients used to make the control and the 2 test batches. The control had no salt reduction, sample A had no salt reduction with pGlu-Val-Leu and sample B had 50% salt reduction with pGlu-Val-Leu.

Results:

Sample A (no salt reduction and 267 ppb ppm pGlu-Val-Leu) was saltier than the control. The salty taste of sample B (50% NaCl reduction with 267 ppb pGlu-Val-Leu) was similar to that of the control sample. G. 50% NaCl Reduction in Potato Chips with the Addition of 1150 ppb of pGlu-Val-Leu

Methods:

All Ingredients were added into a plastic container and mixed gently.

Two batches of potato chips were made: a control with 100% NaCl (0.5 g) and a sample with 50% NaCl (0.25 g) and 1150 ppb pGlu-Val-Leu.

A 1000 ppm stock of pGlu-Val-Leu in salt was made to be added to the potato chips. Therefore, this peptide stock is a source of both pGlu-Val-Leu and NaCl, as shown in table 48.

TABLE 48 Control Sample A Ingredients (g) (g) Potato chips (Kettle Brand, unsalted) 10 10 NaCl 0.5 0.25 pGlu-Val-Leu 1000 ppm 0.0 0.0118 Total (g) 10.5 10.2618 The table above shows the ingredients used to make the control and sample. The control had no salt reduction and sample A had a 50% salt reduction with pGlu-Val-Leu.

Results:

Sample A (50% salt reduction with 1150 ppb pGlu-Val-Leu) was saltier than the control.

H. 60% NaCl Reduction of Roasted Chicken Flavored Rice with the Addition of 1 ppb of pGlu-Val-Leu and 1 ppb of pGlu-Val-Cys

Methods:

All Ingredients, except the rice, were placed into a container and mixed. The mixture was heated in a microwave for a total of one minute for two 30 second intervals. The rice and mixture were then mixed in a bowl. The cooking bowl was placed into a rice cooker and the cook cycle was started. After 36 minutes the rice was mixed and then allowed to cook for the remaining time for a total time of 49 minutes.

Three batches of rice were made: a control with 100% NaCl (4.7696 g), a sample with 40% NaCl (1.9 g), and the last sample had 40% NaCl (1.9 g) with 1 ppb of pGlu-Val-Leu and 1 ppb of pGlu-Val-Cys. Two stock solutions were made to be added to the rice: a 2 ppm stock solution of pGlu-Val-Leu in water and a 2 ppm stock solution of pGlu-Val-Cys in water, as shown in table 49.

TABLE 49 Control Sample A Sample B Ingredients (g) (g) (g) Rice 170 170 170 Chicken seasoning blend No NaCl 13.7704 16.63216 16.63216 NaCl 4.7696 1.90784 1.90784 Oil 8.82 8.82 8.82 Water 306.64 306.64 306.64 pGlu-Val-Leu 2 ppm Solution 0 0 0.2 pGlu-Val-Cys 2 ppm Solution 0 0 0.2 Total (g) 504 504 504.4 The table above shows the ingredients used to make the control and the 2 test batches. The control had no salt reduction, sample A had 40% salt, and sample B had 40% salt with pGlu-Val-Leu and pGlu-Val-Cys added. Chicken seasoning blend used in the experiment.

Chicken Seasoning Blend:

Salt Granular Fine 0 g Citric Acid Anhydrous 0.0835 g Sugar Extra Fine 1.0393 g Potassium Chloride 0.2877 g Oleoresin Turmeric 0.1392 g Guar Gum Food Grade Powder 0.1670 g Xanthan Gum Fine Grind 200 Mesh Dried 0.0464 g Vitamin Mix 0.0278 g Commercial Simmered Chicken Flavor (flavor house) 0.5939 g Commercial Roasted Chicken Flavor (flavor house) 3.0529 g Silicone Dioxide 0.0464 g Yeast Extract 0.3897 g Ground Black Pepper 0.0371 g Carrot Granules 0.7238 g Parsley Flakes 0.2505 g

Results:

Sample A (60% NaCl reduction) tasted less salty than the control. The salty taste of sample B (60% NaCl reduction with 1 ppb pGlu-Val-Leu and 1 ppb pGlu-Val-Cys) was similar to that of the control sample and was also more complex, well rounded and had higher umami attributes than the control.

Example 8—Food Product Compositions Comprising Added Flavor Composition Peptides and Reduced Levels of Salt

Food product compositions were prepared by admixing flavor composition peptide(s) of the present application with food compositions, wherein the level of sodium (NaCl) in the food product compositions was reduced. The level of sodium was reduced by 25%, 50% or 75% compared to food products compositions that were not admixed with flavor composition peptides. The food product compositions comprising the flavor composition peptides were tasted by a panel of trained tasters and the level of saltiness was compared to the control food products.

Results

The peptides pGlu-Val-Leu (identified as “SE-13”), pGlu-Val-Cys (identified as “UE-30”) and pGlu-Val-Val (identified as “SE-17”) were tested in Pasta Sauce. The control pasta sauce comprised 540 mg sodium (NaCl) in a 125 g serving. The assessment of the panel of testers (n=4) is shown in table 50.

TABLE 50 Food Sodium (Na) Compounds System mg/Serving Assessed Assessment Pasta Control 540 mg. SE-13 at 10 ppb Test variables perceived less Sauce Test- Different and 1 ppb. salty than control. levels (25, 50, SE-13 was evaluated at many 75%) reduction. reduction levels (75%, 50%, 25%) both 10 and 1 ppb. 25% reduction closest to control, slightly less salty. Control-540 mg. SE-13 (10 ppb) + Test variables perceived less Test-405 mg. UE-30 (1 ppb) salty than control. Combination was perceived saltier than SE-13 alone but less salty than full salt control, but was very flavorful. 10 ppb of UE-30 had a metallic taste Control-540 mg SE-17 (10 ppb), Test variables perceived Test-405 mg SE-17 (10 ppb) + significantly less salty than UE-30 (1 ppb) control. SE-17 and SE-17 + UE-30 did not provide a big jump in salt enhancement. However, these test variables were perceived more flavorful. Full salt control at 540 mg was paneled (n = 21) against SE-13 and UE-30 combination for saltiness and preference. Control was perceived as significantly more salty (17/21) and test variable was directionally preferred (14/21)

The peptides pGlu-Val-Leu (identified as “SE-13”), pGlu-Val-Cys (identified as “UE-30”), pGlu-Val-Val (identified as “SE-17”) and pGlu-Cys-Cys (identified as “FE-37”) were tested in cottage cheese, tortilla chips, ketchup, cream of mushroom soup, alfredo sauce, sausage, mixed nuts, peanuts, soy sauce and chicken broth. The level of sodium in the test food products comprising the peptides was reduced by 25% compared to the control food products. The assessment of the panel of testers (n=4) is shown in table 51.

TABLE 51 Sodium Food Levels Compounds System (mg) Assessed Assessment Cottage Control - SE-13 (10 ppb), Test samples notably less Cheese 350. SE-17 (10 ppb), salty/flavorful than Test - 262. SE-13 + UE-30 control. (10 ppb's each), SE-17 and SE-17 + UE-30 SE-17 + UE-30 combination preferred (10 ppb's each) compared to SE-13 and SE-13 + UE-30 combination. SE-17 and SE-17 + UE-30 combination masks the acidity at the end. Tortilla Control - SE-13 (10 ppb), Test samples saltier than Chips 103. SE-13 + UE-30 control. Test - 77. (10 ppb's each) SE-13 + UE-30 combination perceived saltier than the Full salt control, more corn flavor from the combination. Chicken Control - SE-13(10 ppb), Test samples saltier than Broth 860. SE-17 (10 ppb), control. Test - 645. SE-13 + UE-30 SE-17 + UE-30 (10 ppb's each), combination more SE-13 + FE-37 flavorful than the control. (10 ppb's each), Adds a meaty character to SE-17 + UE-30 the test variable. (10 ppb's each) Similar results were seen with SE-13 + FE-37. Cream of Control - SE-13 + UE-30 Test samples notably less Mushroom 870. (10 ppb's each); salty but more flavorful Soup Test - 652. SE-17 + UE-30 than control. (10 ppb's each); SE-17 + UE-30 SE-13 + FE-37 combination was (10 ppb's each); perceived to be the most SE-17 + FE-37 flavorful compared to (10 ppb's each) other test variables. Alfredo Control - SE-13 + UE-30 Test samples notably less Sauce 330. (10 ppb's each); salty but more flavorful Test - 247. SE-17 + UE-30 than control. (10 ppb's each); SE-13 + UE-30 SE-13 + FE-37 combination was (10 ppb's each); perceived to be the most SE-17 + FE-37 flavorful compared to (10 ppb's each) other test variables. Sausage Control - SE-13 + UE-30 Test samples notably less 500. (10 ppb's each); salty but more flavorful Test - 375. SE-17 + UE-30 than control. (10 ppb's each); SE-13 + FE-37 was SE-13 + FE-37 perceived to be the most (10 ppb's each); flavorful. SE-17 + FE-37 (10 ppb's each) Mixed Control - SE-13 + UE-30 Test samples notably less nuts 110. (10 ppb's each); salty but more flavorful Test - 82.5. SE-17 + UE-30 than control. (10 ppb's each); SE-13 + UE-30 showed SE-13 + FE-37 improved flavor. (10 ppb's each); SE-17 + FE-37 (10 ppb's each) Peanuts Control - SE-13 + UE-30 Test samples equi-salty to 200. (10 ppb's each); the control. Test - 150. SE-17 + UE-30 SE-17 + UE-30 most (10 ppb's each); preferred sample SE-13 + FE-37 (10 ppb's each); SE-17 + FE-37 (10 ppb's each) Soy Control - SE-13 + UE-30 Test samples equi-salty to sauce 920. (10 ppb's each); the control. Test - 690. SE-17 + UE-30 SE-13 + FE-37 most (10 ppb's each); preferred sample. SE-13 + FE-37 (10 ppb's each); SE-17 + FE-37 (10 ppb's each) Ketchup Control- SE-13 + UE-30 Test samples notably less 160. (10 ppb's each); salty than control, Test- 120. SE-17 + UE-30 unbalanced. (10 ppb's each) SE-13 more salty than SE- 17. Acid/Sweetness balance altered with addition of SE + UE - acid masked.

Although the presently disclosed subject matter and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the presently disclosed subject matter, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the presently disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

Patents, patent applications publications product descriptions, and protocols are cited throughout this application the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes. 

1. A flavor composition comprising a peptide, wherein the peptide comprises: (i) pyroglutamic acid (pGlu); and (ii) a second amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp) and cysteine (Cys).
 2. A flavor composition comprising a peptide, wherein the peptide comprises: (i) pyroglutamic acid (pGlu); (ii) an amino acid selected from the group consisting of a valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), cysteine (Cys) and proline (Pro); and (iii) a third amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp), cysteine (Cys), glutamine (Gln), serine (Ser) and glutamate (Glu).
 3. A flavor composition comprising a peptide, wherein the peptide comprises: (i) γglutamic acid (γGlu); and (ii) a second amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp) and cysteine (Cys).
 4. A flavor composition comprising a peptide, wherein the peptide comprises: (i) γglutamic acid (γGlu); (ii) an amino acid selected from the group consisting of a valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile) and proline (Pro); and (iii) a third amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), valine (Val), leucine (Leu), isoleucine (Ile), proline (Pro), phenylalanine (Phe), methionine (Met), tyrosine (Tyr), tryptophan (Trp) and cysteine (Cys).
 5. The flavor composition of claim 1, comprising a peptide selected from the group consisting of pGlu-Val, pGlu-Phe, pGlu-Pro, pGlu-Leu, pGlu-Cys and combinations thereof.
 6. The flavor composition of claim 2, comprising a peptide selected from the group consisting of pGlu-Pro-Gln, pGlu-Val-Val, pGlu-Pro-Ser, pGlu-Pro-Glu, pGlu-Leu-Leu, pGlu-Val-Gln, pGlu-Val-Glu, pGlu-Val-Ile, pGlu-Val-Pro, pGlu-Val-Ala, pGlu-Val-Gly, pGlu-Val-Cys, pGlu-Val-Leu, pGlu-Cys-Gly, pGlu-Cys-Cys, pGlu-Cys-Val and combinations thereof.
 7. The flavor composition of claim 3, comprising a γGlu-Val peptide.
 8. The flavor composition of claim 4, comprising a peptide selected from the group consisting of γGlu-Val-Gly, γGlu-Val-Leu, γGlu-Cys-Gly and combinations thereof.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The flavor composition of claim 1, wherein the flavor composition is prepared from a food product source, wherein the food product source is subjected to hydrolysis, fractionation, extraction, enrichment or combinations thereof.
 11. The flavor composition of claim 10, wherein the food product source is selected from the group consisting of cacao, wheat and soy.
 12. The flavor composition of claim 1, wherein the flavor composition peptide is a synthetic peptide.
 13. A food product comprising the flavor composition of claim 1, wherein the peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.0000001 to about 1.0% weight/weight, from about 0.1 to about 1000 ppb or from about 0.1 to about 100 ppt of the food product. 14.-16. (canceled)
 17. A method of increasing a saltiness intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with the flavor composition of claim 1, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.0000001 to about 1.0% weight/weight or from about 0.1 to about 1000 ppb in the admixture. 18.-26. (canceled)
 27. A method of reducing the amount of sodium chloride in a food product comprising admixing the food product with the flavor composition of claim 1, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 1000 ppb in the admixture.
 28. (canceled)
 29. A method of increasing an umami intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with the flavor composition of claim 1, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.1 to about 1000 ppt or from about 0.1 to about 100 ppb in the admixture. 30.-36. (canceled)
 37. A method of increasing a bitter intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with the flavor composition of claim 1, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.0000001 to about 1.0% weight/weight or from about 0.1 to about 100 ppb in the admixture.
 38. (canceled)
 39. A method of increasing an astringent intensity in a food product comprising admixing the food product with the flavor composition of claim 1, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.0000001 to about 1.0%0/weight/weight or from about 0.1 to about 100 ppb in the admixture. 40.-41. (canceled)
 42. A method of increasing a sourness intensity in a chocolate confection comprising admixing the chocolate confection with the flavor composition of claim 1, wherein the flavor composition peptide is present at a concentration of from about 0.00001 to about 1.0%/w/w or from about 0.1 to about 100 ppb in the admixture.
 43. (canceled)
 44. A method of preparing the flavor composition of claim 1, comprising synthesizing a synthetic peptide, wherein the synthetic peptide is at least 99% pure. 45.-46. (canceled)
 47. A method of preparing a flavor composition comprising the peptide of claim 1, wherein the method comprises (i) providing a food product source, and (ii) subjecting the food product source to hydrolysis, fractionation, extraction, or a combination thereof, to produce a composition enriched for the peptide. 48.-49. (canceled) 